Church fathers

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Thursday, 25 April 2024 : Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist (Homily and Scripture Reflections)

Liturgical Colour : Red

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today the Church celebrates the occasion of the Feast of St. Mark, one of the Four Evangelists and a great missionary and leader of the early Church. St. Mark was known not only for his efforts and works in writing the Gospel attributed to him but also for his role in evangelisation and ministering to the faithful people of God, spreading the Good News of the Lord to the people in many places, and helping to establish the foundation of the Church, especially in Alexandria in Egypt, where a sizeable Christian community quickly formed in the earliest days of the Church from the Jewish diaspora community there and from the Greeks and local Egyptians in that region, who embraced Christ and His truth.

In our first reading today, we heard from the first Epistle of St. Peter in which the Apostle spoke of the importance of humility as being a hallmark of being a Christian faithful and believer of the Lord. One cannot truly claim to be faithful to God and yet at the same time not being a person full of humility and obedience to God. At the same time, the Apostle also reminded the faithful people of God that the Lord was always with them and regardless of the challenges, trials and sufferings that they may all have to endure amidst their missions and lives, but in the end, should they remain faithful to the Lord, then they shall all be triumphant together with the Lord and receive from Him the assurance of eternal glory and life everlasting, which God has promised all of His faithful ones.

What St. Peter the Apostle told the faithful people of God were essentially reminders that in their faith and in how they lived their lives, all of them should not allow the temptations of the world, particularly that of the temptations of human pride and ego from misleading them down the wrong path. The greater the person is, and the more power he or she has, then the humble he or she should become, as ultimately all the greatness, power and glory came from the Lord and not meant for us to boast or to be prideful for. The Apostles themselves showed this by example, as although the Lord had entrusted them all with great power and authority, but they carried out their missions faithfully and did not allow worldly glory and pride to tempt them or to boast of their successes.

In our Gospel passage today, we then heard of the Lord Jesus Who was sending out His disciples and followers after He had risen from the dead, telling all of them that they should go forth to the nations, to tell of His truth and salvation to all the people they encounter so that all of those people may come to believe in the Lord as well, and may embrace God’s grace and love, and be saved through their acceptance of the Lord’s truth and salvation. This is the important mission which the Lord had entrusted to His Church, to all of those whom He had called and chosen, especially the Apostles and the other important disciples, some of whom like St. Mark and St. Luke, while not being Apostles, were important in their role as the Evangelists, the writers of the Holy Gospels, and in the case of St. Mark, as mentioned, establishing the Church of God in distant lands.

St. Mark the Evangelist according to the Sacred tradition of the Church was one of the seventy disciples that the Lord sent out to minister to the people of God, to go forth before Him and to prepare His path. St. Mark worked closely with the Apostles and having experienced the Lord Himself in the earlier years, could indeed write his experiences and the many works of the Lord as just how he recorded them in his Gospel of St. Mark. It was also the shortest among the four Holy Gospels, and according to the tradition and historical evidences, might have been among the first of the Gospels to be written and recorded. This was done just as St. Mark carried on with his own evangelising missions, firstly as part of the missionary party with St. Peter and the other Apostles, and then later on by himself.

St. Mark went on to the land of Egypt and according to veritable tradition of faith founded the Church of God in Alexandria, then the largest city in the whole Eastern part of the Roman Empire and all of Egypt. There, St. Mark helped to build the foundation of the Church amongst the Jewish diaspora as well as the diverse ethnic groups who called Alexandria and its region as their home. St. Mark was the first overseer and hence Bishop of Alexandria, and hence is honoured today among many Christian churches as the first Patriarch and Pope of Alexandria, the founder of one of the five great Ancient Sees of Christendom, that is the See of Alexandria, counting among his successors numerous great Church fathers and saints.

St. Mark himself continued to carry out his duties and works faithfully, caring for his flock and showing the Lord to more and more people through his efforts at evangelisation as well as through his writings and works, including the Gospel that he wrote. He also ministered to the flock and the faithful people of God placed under his care, helping many people to remain faithful to the Lord and to find their way to His salvation. In the end, just like most of the other Apostles of the Lord and His many other servants and disciples, St. Mark was martyred for his faith, several decades after he founded the See of Alexandria. Nonetheless, the legacy and works of St. Mark the Evangelist keep on surviving among Christians and throughout the Church till this very day.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today as we all commemorate the glorious memory and faith which St. Mark the Evangelist had shown to the Lord and all of us, let us all therefore realise that the works which the Lord had given to His Church and His disciples, including all of us are still not yet done. The missions and works of the Church are still ongoing and we must make good use of the opportunities provided to us so that we may indeed be faithful in living our lives and proclaiming His truth and Good News to the nations, just as the Apostles and the Evangelists like St. Mark himself had done. The question is, are we willing to commit ourselves to do what the Lord had called us to do, and are we willing to commit ourselves, our time and efforts to do what the Lord had entrusted in our care?

Let us all hence do our best in our lives as Christians, in our obedience to God and in all of our actions and deeds so that we may truly be great inspiration for everyone around us like that of St. Mark the Evangelist and many others of our holy predecessors, all of whom have shown us their own exemplary lives and actions, that we may also follow in their footsteps and live our lives most worthily in the Lord, our loving God and Father. May God continue to bless and strengthen us all in all things, and be with us always in our every good efforts and endeavours. Amen.

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Thursday, 25 April 2024 : Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist (Gospel Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Red

Mark 16 : 15-20

At that time, Jesus told His disciples, “Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation. The one who believes and is baptised will be saved; the one who refuses to believe will be condemned.”

“Signs like these will accompany those who have believed : in My Name they will cast out demons and speak new languages; they will pick up snakes, and if they drink anything poisonous, they will be unharmed; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”

So then, after speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and took His place at the right hand of God. The Eleven went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.

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Thursday, 25 April 2024 : Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist (Psalm)

Liturgical Colour : Red

Psalm 88 : 2-3, 6-7, 16-17

I will sing forever, o Lord, of Your love and proclaim Your faithfulness from age to age. I will declare how steadfast is Your love, how firm Your faithfulness.

The heavens proclaim Your wonders, o Lord; the assembly of the holy ones recalls Your faithfulness. Who in the skies can compare with the Lord; who of the heaven-born is like Him?

Blessed is the people who know Your praise. They walk in the light of Your face. They celebrate all day Your Name and Your protection lifts them up.

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Thursday, 25 April 2024 : Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist (First Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Red

1 Peter 5 : 5b-14

All of you must clothe yourself with humility in your dealings with one another, because God opposes the proud but gives His grace to the humble. Bow down, then, before the power of God so that He will raise you up at the appointed time. Place all your worries on Him since He takes care of you.

Be sober and alert because your enemy the devil prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Stand your ground, firm in your faith, knowing that our brothers and sisters, scattered throughout the world, are confronting similar sufferings. God, the Giver of all grace, has called you to share in Christ’s eternal Glory and after you have suffered a little He will bring you to perfection : He will confirm, strengthen and establish You forever. Glory be to Him forever and ever. Amen.

I have had these few lines of encouragement written to you by Silvanus, our brother, whom I know to be trustworthy. For I wanted to remind you of the kindness of God really present in all this. Hold on to it. Greetings from the community in Babylon, gathered by God, and from my son, Mark. Greet one another with a friendly embrace. Peace to you all who are in Christ.

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Monday, 18 March 2024 : 5th Week of Lent, Memorial of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Homily and Scripture Reflections)

Liturgical Colour : Purple/Violet

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today as we listened to the Scripture readings, particularly the long reading from the Book of Daniel in our first reading, each and every one of us are reminded of the dangers of sin and how sin can lead us down the path of ruin and destruction, and how we have been constantly reminded to resist those temptations of sin, and stay within the path that God had shown and taught us all to walk in. But at the same time we are also reminded that God has the power to forgive us our sins, and to restore us to His grace and love, as long as we are willing to commit ourselves to Him, rejecting our past sinful way of life and embracing His forgiveness and mercy wholeheartedly, as we all should have. This season of Lent is the perfect time for us to seek the Lord with contrite and repentant hearts, to be reunited once again to Him.

In our first reading today, as mentioned, from the Book of Daniel we heard of the story of Susanna, the wife of a wealthy Jewish man in Babylon, during the time of the exile of the people of God in that land after the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah. We heard how two of the elders from the community of the exiled Israelites there grew to lust upon Susanna when they saw her bathing in her estate’s garden, and tried to force themselves upon her. When they could not get what they wanted, they tried to silence her and bring about false accusations upon her so that she would be punished and sentenced to death, which would therefore prevent their wickedness and their evils from being discovered, abusing their status and authority to serve their own selfish purposes.

But God intervened through Daniel, who was then a young man blessed by God’s favour and wisdom, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God led Daniel to intercede for Susanna’s cause, asking the people to reconsider the judgment that they had prematurely given to Susanna based on the lies and false accusations made by the two elders against her. Therefore, we heard how Daniel, speaking with great wisdom from God, helped Susanna to escape her fated demise, and instead, by revelation of truth and the inconsistency of their lies, the two elders were judged by their own words and admissions, through which they revealed how they have lied about the affairs involving them and Susanna, the latter being cleared of all charges while the two elders were sentenced to death.

In our Gospel passage today, we then heard from the Gospel of St. John the Apostle about the interactions between the Lord Jesus, the Pharisees, the teachers of the Law and a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law wanted to use the adulterous woman to trap the Lord in a difficult situation from which they likely hoped that they could benefit from, by accusing the Lord falsely of colluding with those who sinned against God, should He decide to be kind and nice to the adulterous woman, as they expected that He would, based on His other actions. Even if the Lord were to be harsh on the adulterous woman, they could still benefit from that by saying that what the Lord had done, was merely following what the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law themselves had done.

But the Lord knew everything that was planned against Him, and at the same time, He also saw the adulterous woman and had pity on her, knowing that this poor soul was also repentant and desiring His love and compassion, His mercy and forgiveness. That was why He told everyone that if any one of them was without sin, then he or she could throw the first stone at the woman. This Law was meant to discourage the people from sinning, but was never meant to cause people to discriminate against those whom they deemed to be less worthy or greater sinner than they were, just as the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law had done to many people including to the adulterous woman. The Lord wanted to guide all sinners back to Himself, and therefore, at that moment, He reminded all of those people of their sins.

No one present there obviously was without any sin, and hence, as we heard, beginning with the oldest ones among them, who had lived the longest and therefore were aware that they had committed the most sins and disobedience against God, and then to the youngest ones, all of them left one by one, realising that they themselves were sinners, ashamed and embarrassed, and no one dared to claim that any of them was without any sin, and hence, we heard how no one was left to condemn and punish the woman. What we must realise is the Lord Himself was actually the One Who was without any sin, and He could have condemned and punished the woman, and yet He did not do so, because He loved her and all sinners, and wanted everyone of us to return to Him, to be forgiven our sins and reconciled with God.

This is a reminder for all of us that we must not let sin to continue to be an obstacle in our path towards God and His salvation. We have to strive to do what the Lord has taught us all to do, to live faithfully and worthily in accordance with God’s will. What the Lord told the adulterous woman is a reminder for us not to sin anymore and to turn away from our evil and wicked ways, embracing God’s ever generous love and compassion, His mercy and desire to forgive us our many sins. That is why during this time and season of Lent, we should make good use of the opportunities and moments given to us so that hopefully we may come ever closer to the Lord with sincere, contrite and repentant hearts and minds, committed to walk once more in the path of God’s grace and righteousness.

Today, the Church also celebrates the Feast of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, who was one the great early Church fathers, and honoured as one of the venerable Doctors of the Church for his many contributions to the Church. He was remembered for his great dedication to the Lord and His Church, for the many efforts and hard work that he had done as the Bishop of the prominent See of Jerusalem, in opposing the then terrible heresy of Arianism that was raging throughout the Church, leading countless souls astray from God’s path. He was locked in long years of struggles against the Arians, particularly with Metropolitan Acacius of Caesarea, a prominent Arian leader who had the support of the powerful members of the Roman state and governance at the time. St. Cyril had to face many struggles and even exile from his See at times, and yet, he remained firm in his dedication and conviction, doing his best to continue leading the people of God to the right path, especially through his many theological works refuting the falsehoods of Arianism and other heresies.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us all therefore reflect well upon what we have discussed today, and be inspired by the great examples that our holy predecessors, particularly that of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, so that our whole lives may be great examples and inspirations for everyone around us. May God be with us all at all times, and may He continue to guide and strengthen us in our journey of faith and life. May He empower and strengthen all of us so that we may continue to be strong and courageous in living our lives in His path, now and always. Amen.

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Monday, 18 March 2024 : 5th Week of Lent, Memorial of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Gospel Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Purple/Violet

John 8 : 1-11

At that time, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At daybreak He appeared in the Temple again. All the people came to Jesus, and He sat down and began to teach them. Then the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They made her stand in front of everyone.

“Master,” they said, “this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now the Law of Moses orders that such women be stoned to death; but You, what do You say?” They said this to test Jesus, in order to have some charge against Him. Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with His finger. And as they continued to ask Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who has no sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” And He bent down again, writing on the ground.

As a result of these words, they went away, one by one, starting with the elders, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before Him. Then Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go away and do not sin again.”

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Monday, 18 March 2024 : 5th Week of Lent, Memorial of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Psalm)

Liturgical Colour : Purple/Violet

Psalm 22 : 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.

He guides me through the right paths for His Name’s sake. Although I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are beside me : Your rod and Your staff comfort me.

You spread a table before me in the presence of my foes. You anoint my head with oil; my cup is overflowing.

Goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life. I shall dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

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Monday, 18 March 2024 : 5th Week of Lent, Memorial of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (First Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Purple/Violet

Daniel 13 : 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62

There lived in Babylon a man named Joakim, who was married to a very beautiful God-fearing woman, Susanna, Hilkiah’s daughter, whose pious parents had trained her in the law of Moses. A very rich man and greatly respected by all the Jews, Joakim was frequently visited by the Jews in his house adjoining a garden.

That year, two elders of the people were appointed judges, in whom this word of the Lord became true, “Wickedness has come forth from Babylon, through the elders appointed judges, who were supposed to govern the people.” These men frequented Joakim’s house, and all who had legal disputes used to come to them.

After the people had left at noon, Susanna would go into her husband’s garden for a walk. The two old men began to lust for her as they watched her enter the garden every day. Forgetting the demands of justice and virtue, their lust grew all the more as they made no effort to turn their eyes to heaven.

One day, as they were waiting for an opportune time, Susanna entered the garden as usual with only two maids. She decided to bathe, for it was a hot day. Nobody else was there except the two elders watching her from where they had hidden themselves. She said to the maids, “Bring me oil and ointments, and shut the garden doors while I bathe.”

When the maids had left, the two elders hurried to her and said, “Look, the garden doors are shut and no one sees us. We desire to posses you. If you refuse to give in, we will testify that you sent your maids away for there was a young man here with you.” Susanna moaned, “Whatever I do, I am trapped. If I give in to your desire, it will be death for me; if I refuse, I will not escape your persecution. I would rather be persecuted than sin in the eyes of the Lord.”

Susanna shrieked, but the old men shouted, putting the blame on her. One of them ran and opened the garden doors. Hearing the noise in the garden, the household servants rushed in by the side entrance to see what was happening. They were taken aback when they heard the elders’ accusation, for never had anything like this been said of Susanna.

The next day a meeting was held at Joakim’s house. The two elders arrived, vindictively determined to have Susanna sentenced to death. They ordered before all the people, “Send for Susanna, Hilkiah’s daughter and Joakim’s wife.” They sent for her, and she came with her parents, children and all her relatives. Her family and all who saw her wept.

The two elders stood up and laid their hands upon her head. Completely trusting in the Lord, she raised her tearful eyes to heaven. The elders started making their accusation, “We were taking a walk in the garden when this woman came in with two maids. She ordered them to shut the garden doors and dismissed them. Then a young man came out of hiding and lay with her. We were in a corner in the garden, and we saw this crime from there.”

“We ran to them, and caught them in the act of embracing. We were unable to take hold of the man. He was too strong for us. He made a dash for the door, opened it and ran off. But we were able to seize this woman. We asked her who the young man was, but she refused to tell us. This is our statement, and we testify to its truth.”

The assembly took their word, since they were elders and judges of the people. Susanna was condemned to death. She cried aloud, “Eternal God, nothing is hidden from You; You know all things before they come to be. You know that these men have testified falsely against me. Would You let me die, though I am not guilty of all their malicious charges?”

The Lord heard her, and as she was being led to her execution, God aroused the Holy Spirit residing in a young lad named Daniel. He shouted, “I will have no part in the death of this woman!” Those present turned to him, “What did you say?” they all asked.

Standing in their midst, he said to them, “Have you become fools, you Israelites, to condemn a daughter of Israel without due process and in the absence of clear evidence? Return to court, for those men have falsely testified against her.” Hurriedly they returned, and the elders said to Daniel, “Come and sit with us, for you also possess the gifts bestowed by God upon the elders.”

Daniel said to the people, “Separate these two men from one another and I will examine each of them.” When the two elders were separated from each other, Daniel called one of them and said, “How wicked you have grown with age. Your sins of earlier days have piled up against you, and now is the time of reckoning.”

“Remember how you have passed unjust sentences, condemning the innocent and freeing the guilty, although the Lord has said, ‘The innocent and the just should not be put to death.’ Now, if you really witnessed the crime, under what tree did you see them do it?”

The elder answered, “Under a mastic tree.” Daniel said, “Your lie will cost you your head. You will be cut in two, as soon as the Lord’s Angel receives your sentence from God.” Putting the first one aside, Daniel called the other elder and said to him, “You offspring of Canaan and not of Judah, you have long allowed yourself to be perverted by lust.”

“This is how you have dealt with the daughters of Israel, who out of fear have yielded to you. But here is a daughter of Judah who would not tolerate your wickedness. Tell me then, under what tree did you catch them committing the crime?”

The answer came, “Under an oak.” “Your lie has also cost you your head,” Daniel said. “God’s Angel waits to cut you both in two.” The whole assembly shouted and blessed God for helping those who hope in Him. They turned against the two elders who, through Daniel’s efforts, had been convicted by their own mouths. In accordance with Moses’ law, the penalty the two elders had intended to impose upon their neighbour was inflicted upon them. They were sentenced to death. Thus was the life of an innocent woman spared that day.

Alternative reading (shorter version)

Daniel 13 : 41c-62

Susanna was condemned to death. She cried aloud, “Eternal God, nothing is hidden from You; You know all things before they come to be. You know that these men have testified falsely against me. Would You let me die, though I am not guilty of all their malicious charges?”

The Lord heard her, and as she was being led to her execution, God aroused the Holy Spirit residing in a young lad named Daniel. He shouted, “I will have no part in the death of this woman!” Those present turned to him, “What did you say?” they all asked.

Standing in their midst, he said to them, “Have you become fools, you Israelites, to condemn a daughter of Israel without due process and in the absence of clear evidence? Return to court, for those men have falsely testified against her.” Hurriedly they returned, and the elders said to Daniel, “Come and sit with us, for you also possess the gifts bestowed by God upon the elders.”

Daniel said to the people, “Separate these two men from one another and I will examine each of them.” When the two elders were separated from each other, Daniel called one of them and said, “How wicked you have grown with age. Your sins of earlier days have piled up against you, and now is the time of reckoning.”

“Remember how you have passed unjust sentences, condemning the innocent and freeing the guilty, although the Lord has said, ‘The innocent and the just should not be put to death.’ Now, if you really witnessed the crime, under what tree did you see them do it?”

The elder answered, “Under a mastic tree.” Daniel said, “Your lie will cost you your head. You will be cut in two, as soon as the Lord’s Angel receives your sentence from God.” Putting the first one aside, Daniel called the other elder and said to him, “You offspring of Canaan and not of Judah, you have long allowed yourself to be perverted by lust.”

“This is how you have dealt with the daughters of Israel, who out of fear have yielded to you. But here is a daughter of Judah who would not tolerate your wickedness. Tell me then, under what tree did you catch them committing the crime?”

The answer came, “Under an oak.” “Your lie has also cost you your head,” Daniel said. “God’s Angel waits to cut you both in two.” The whole assembly shouted and blessed God for helping those who hope in Him. They turned against the two elders who, through Daniel’s efforts, had been convicted by their own mouths. In accordance with Moses’ law, the penalty the two elders had intended to impose upon their neighbour was inflicted upon them. They were sentenced to death. Thus was the life of an innocent woman spared that day.

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Friday, 26 January 2024 : 3rd Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Timothy and St. Titus, Bishops (Homily and Scripture Reflections)

Liturgical Colour : White

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today the Church celebrates the Feast of the two great saints and Church fathers, St. Timothy and St. Titus, both of whom were the disciples and followers of St. Paul the Apostle, the Apostle to the Gentiles. Both of them were inspired and mentored by St. Paul who taught them more about the Christian faith and guided them in their path, that they, in their own ways, contributed greatly to the development and the growth of the early Church. St. Timothy and St. Titus were among the earliest bishops of the Church, as those who have been chosen and appointed to be the successors of the Apostles, who had the Apostles laying their hands upon them, giving them the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

St. Timothy was one of the companions of St. Paul during his missionary journeys, and as mentioned, the latter was the mentor of St. Timothy, guiding him in the way of the Christian faith. He was a native of Lystra or Derbe in what is today part of Turkey, then known as Anatolia, one of the places that St. Paul visited during his missionary journeys, and where he performed miracles and healings that brought quite a number of the locals, likely including that of St. Timothy, to embrace the Christian faith. Eventually, St. Timothy became the disciple of St. Paul, and helped him during the later missionary journeys that he carried out, proclaiming the Good News of God to more and more people all throughout the region, where many accepted the Lord as their God and Saviour.

St. Timothy continued the works of St. Paul when he left for Rome in his final missionary journey, which would led to St. Paul’s martyrdom there. He was appointed as bishop in Asia Minor, likely in Ephesus, one of the great early centres of Christianity. There, he continued to work hard for the glory of God and for the salvation of souls, courageously spreading the Word of God and His Good News to more and more people. According to the Apostolic and Church traditions, he was also persecuted and endured prison more than once, eventually suffering martyrdom for his faith and commitment to God, after many decades of continuous and courageous hard work for the Lord. Yet, his examples continued to inspire many people long after his time.

Meanwhile, St. Titus also had a similar story to St. Timothy, as he was also likely converted by St. Paul, and then later on followed him on his missionary journeys, assisting him as a scribe and interpreter. He was sent by St. Paul from Ephesus to Corinth to settle the issues which arose there, and which was highlighted in St. Paul’s Epistle to the Corinthians. He managed to resolve the issue and the situation successfully, and later on continued to join St. Paul in his various further missionary and evangelising works. Eventually St. Titus was also chosen and appointed as bishop to succeed and continue the works of the Apostles, and was entrusted with the care of his native island of Crete. There he continued to minister to the people of God much as St. Timothy had done, and perhaps had also suffered martyrdom as well, although the information was scant regarding this.

This is the essence of what we have heard from the Gospel passage today, in which the account of how the Lord Jesus sent out the seventy-two disciples on various missions was told to us. At that time, the Lord appointed and sent out the seventy-two disciples, most of whom were not known by name, but all those people were instrumental in extending even further the reach of the Lord’s works, beyond what His Twelve Apostles had done and could do. Some of those among the seventy-two disciples were themselves appointed later on as the successors and companions of the Apostles, and through them, their witnessing of the Lord’s ministry and good works, and through the knowledge of truth that they had received from the Lord Himself and through the Holy Spirit, they passed on that truth to the Church of God, and therefore, eventually to all of us.

The Lord sent them all out to prepare His path and to do His works among the people of God, and telling them to be strong and courageous, and to remain faithful and committed to their mission, because they would likely face persecutions, hardships and trials for what they have done and worked for. Yet, the Lord also reassured all of them that He would be with them, guiding and helping them along the way. He told them to go to the houses of those who received them well and accepted their message, while those who have stubbornly refused to believe in the truth of God, they should ignore and leave behind. Through this reminder, the Lord wanted to tell His disciples and followers to place their trust in Him, and follow Him.

As we have heard from the lives and examples of St. Timothy and St. Titus, their courage and faith in God, and also from the passages of the Sacred Scriptures that we have heard today, let us all therefore discern carefully what the Lord may intend for us to do in our respective lives. Each and every one of us should always be attuned to the Lord and be willing to listen to Him, so that we all may know what it is that we are all called to do in our lives, in our respective vocations and areas of responsibilities. This is why we should not remain idle in life, but do our best, in showing by our own good examples, what we all can do in our everyday moments. Let us all be the good and worthy role models for others to follow.

May the Lord be with us always, and may He empower everyone of us, so that we can follow in the footsteps of His faithful servants, St. Timothy and St. Titus, in doing what we can for the glory of His Name and in proclaiming His truth and love to more and more people, all around us. May God bless our every good works and endeavours, now and forevermore. Amen.

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Friday, 26 January 2024 : 3rd Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Timothy and St. Titus, Bishops (Gospel Reading)

Liturgical Colour : White

Luke 10 : 1-9

At that time, the Lord appointed seventy-two other disciples, and sent them, two by two, ahead of Him, to every town and place, where He Himself was to go. And He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. So you must ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers to His harvest.”

“Courage! I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Set off without purse or bag or sandals; and do not stop at the homes of those you know. Whatever house you enter, first bless them, saying, ‘Peace to this house!’ If a friend of peace lives there, the peace shall rest upon that person. But if not, the blessing will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking at their table, for the worker deserves to be paid. Do not move from house to house.”

“When they welcome you to any town, eat what they offer you. Heal the sick who are there, and say to them : ‘The kingdom of God has drawn near to you.’”