Fr. Ken's Pastoral Care

St. Alphonsus Liguori Readings: Jeremiah 26:11-16.24; Psalm 69 and Matthew 141-12.  WITNESS TO THE TRUTH   As I go through the readings of today, I remembered an ugly event that happened in Brazil while I was there for mission. On February 9, 2019, during lunch hour, there was loud blast in Brumadinho , a city in Minas Gerais, Brazil. A mining dam collapsed, full of toxic mud that stretched for about five miles, crushing homes, offices, vehicles, animals and buried over 150 persons alive. Various rescue team came around the scene, but practically unable to salvage the situation. People stood afar to watch their love ones sinking in the mud. If it were water, they would have helped themselves out by swimming. They needed external aid to rescue them. What a tragedy! Similarly, the first reading present how the prophet Jeremiah was recued from sinking in the mud as the psalmist expressed it.   In the first reading, the priests, prophets and the people condemned Jeremiah ...

Readings: Jerimiah 26:1-9; Psalm 69 and Matthew 13:54-58. REJECTING AND RESISTING GOD’S MESSAGE   Have we ever felt rejected by our political or religious leaders who ought to carter for our needs? Some may say it has become the norms of the day. What about rejection coming from your tribal people, relatives, families and close friends? Have we ever had such feelings of rejection that even when we are at our best, people fail to recognize us? Or that feeling of rejection when no one calls or send text messages to us? Those with experiences of this nature will have a deeper understanding of what it means for a prophet and his message to be rejected as seen in the readings of today.   In the first reading, the Lord sent his prophet Jeremiah to “   It was an unpleasant message to the people, as it appears, a prophecy of destruction that God will make his house and the city like Shiloh if they fail to listen to him. 1 Samuel chapter 4 present to us the destruction...

The Potter and Clay Readings: Jeremiah 18:1-6; Psalm 146 and Matthew 13:47-53.  THE POTTER AND THE CLAY: GOD’S PROJECT IN PROGRESS   There is a story of an old couple who were interviewed after their seventy-fifth wedding anniversary celebration. The husband was asked, “ How were you able to live with your spouse for these years without separation or divorce? ” In response he said, “ We got married in the era when a clay breaks, we do not throw it away, we fix it and continue to use it, or we convert it to flower-verse and it becomes useful again. ” It was an era they do not consider any object useless, something good always comes out of it; and so it is with their marriage, that they always see the good and productive side of each other , which has kept them together. In view of this, the liturgy of today wants us to realize how useful we are in the hands of God; we are his project in progress.   In the first reading, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Jer...

Saint Martha Readings: Jeremiah 15:10.16-21; Psalm 59 and Luke 10:38-42.  HOSPITALITY AND SERVICE   On this day, we celebrate the memorial of St. Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus, who were friends to our Lord Jesus Christ, of which Christ visit the family and she expressed an act of service and hospitality as seen in the gospel of today. She is also the one known to have professed her faith on the resurrection of the body on the last day. Commemorating her this day helps us to reflect on our life of hospitality and service. How do we relate with our visitors? Are our doors or gates open to welcome them or do we shut our gates against them?   Some of us have created ‘barricades’ to prevent visitors from coming around, we do not want disturbance, we just want to be at ‘peace.’ We are uninterested of the need or plight of our visitors and may even ask our security guards to informs them of our absent at home while we are in. On some occasions, even when we welc...

Readings: Jeremiah 14:17-22; Psalm 79 and Matthew 13:36-43.  THE CLOSE OF THE AGE   With the emergence of coronavirus, some persons on social media have made caricatures of some religious leaders, asking, “ Where are our pastors that claims they have the gift of healing? Can’t they heal the people dying from COVID-19, or are they waiting for the end of the virus before they could continue with their healing ministry? ” Over this, there have been constructive and destructive criticisms, but the question is, could there be elements of truth on the above statement? Could it be that the society is flooded with fake pastors or men of God? This spurn the prophecy of Jeremiah on God’s judgment to come and the parable of Christ on the weed, which are gathered and burnt with fire at the close of the age.   In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of the judgment of God on false prophets and wicked priests that have led the flock of God astray. He started by saying...

Mustard Seed Readings: Jeremiah 13:1-11; Psalm 32 and Matthew 13:31-35.  GOD’S KINGDOM ON EARTH   Today’s liturgy takes our mind back to the gospel of last two Sundays of which Christ speaks to us in parables comparing the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed and the leaven. Through these parables, Christ wants us to understand that we are part of his project in establishing and developing his kingdom here on earth.   Christ compared the kingdom of heaven to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, he said, “ It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown, it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air comes and make nests in its branches. ” Christ wants us to understand the transforming nature of the seed, its process of germinating and becoming a tree, it is a seed with humble beginning and later exaltation. The process of its growth could be slow but steadfast. Similarly, Christ is using the mustard ...

Hidden Treasures Readings: 1Kings 3:5.7-12; Psalm 119; Romans 8:28-30 and Matthew 13:44-52.  THE GREATEST OF ALL TREASURES: THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.   “Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom ” (Mt11:25). It takes the wisdom of God to understand the mysteries surrounding the kingdom of heaven. When we search for wisdom, we search for God and when we find God, we have found the greatest of all treasures.   The first reading present to us God’s offer and Solomon’s response. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “ Ask what I shall give you. ” With the way the present situation of this country is, if such question is put before us, there will be some interesting response from us. Certainly, the person dying of poverty would request for riches, good houses, food; for a corrupt nation, we will request for good governments, good policies, infrastructures; the singles would request for...

St. James Readings: 2Corinthians 4:18-21; Psalm126 and Matthew 20:20-28.  SAINT JAMES THE GREATER   Today we celebrate the feast of St. James, also known as St. James the Greater to distinguish him from the other St. James, the Lesser, who was one of the relative of Christ. St. James the Greater was the son of Zebedee and the brother of John the Apostle and Evangelist. Along with Peter and John, James was a privileged witness of the Transfiguration. He was beheaded in Jerusalem on the orders of Herod Agrippa, in 42/43 AD (Ac 12:1-2). The Synoptic describe James and John as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee when Christ called them to follow him (Matt. 4:21-22; Mk. 1:19-20).   As we celebrate St. James the Greater, Christ in the gospel teaches us about greatness and service. The mother of James and John asked Christ for a special status for her sons, “ Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom .” It was a...

Readings: Jeremiah 3:14-17; Responsorial Psalm: Jeremiah 31 and Matthew 13:18-23.  OBSTACLES TO THE WORD OF GOD   While the first reading calls the faithless children to return to God, Christ in the gospel explains the parable of the sower, of which he points to us obstacles that prevent us from growing in faith. What could be our obstacle?   In the first reading, there is a beautiful invitation from God to Israel: “ Return, o faithless children, says the Lord; for I am your master. ” Despite that, Israel has prostituted himself to many lovers, yet God calls Israel to return to Him. Israelite has gone astray because they lack proper understanding of God’s word, the word of God has no deep root in them and the cares for the world has chocked the little word of God in them. The way God speaks to Israel, He speaks to us. He pleads with us to return to Him, reminding us that He is our God and master. This is not a cold, dispassionate God; this is the Lord full of warm...

A Broken Cistern  Readings: Jeremiah 2:1-3.7-8.12-13; Psalm36 and Matthew 13:10-17.  A BROKEN CISTERN   Reflecting on the broken cisterns, we reflect on the astonish nature of Israel’s sin, of which we are not excluded.     Scripturally, a cistern is an artificial reservoir which was dug in the earth or hewn in the rock for the collection and storage of water. They were important in the land of Israel because of the long dry season and few natural springs. If cisterns were to hold water, a broken cistern was practically worthless. Collecting and storing water in a broken cistern can be equated with fetching water with a basket. It is on this note that the Lord said through Jeremiah, “ My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. ”   Jeremiah used the illustration of broken cisterns to point out the extreme foolishness of Go...

Mary Magdalene Readings: Song of Songs (3: 1-4) or 2 Corinthians (5: 14-17); Psalm: (Ps 62: 2-6, 8-9) and John 20: 1-2, 11-18.  THE MEMORIAL OF SAINT MARY MAGDALENE   Today the Holy Mother Church celebrates the memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene, sometimes called Mary of Magdala, a Jewish woman who according to the four gospels, traveled with Jesus as one of his followers and was a witness to his death and resurrection. What else do we know about this saint? Could it be that the Mary Magdalene most people think they know is a combination of several women mentioned in the Gospels? Was she the one, caught in adultery? Was she the one that poured ointment at the feet of Jesus and wipe it with her hair?   To begin with, the name of the woman who was caught in adultery is unknown, and the Mary who poured ointment over Jesus’s feet was the sister of Martha and Lazarus (John 12:3). Mary Magdalene has been a controversial figure and has been portrayed as the repentant prost...

Forgiving hands Readings: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Psalm 85 and Matthew 12:46-50.  MERCY AS A NECESSARY TOOL FOR FAMILY CIRCLE   Some Christians are infected with a deadly virus called “Unforgiving spirit.” In such persons, we often hear them say, “Over my dead body if I forgive him/her,” these occurs among families and friends. Such is not expected of us as we learn from the school of Christ in today’s readings. This calls us to reflect on God’s mercy as a necessary tool for family circle.   In the first reading, the prayer of the prophet Micah reflects Israel’s liberation and journey towards the Promised Land, under God’s shepherding care. The prophet further place a beautiful image of who God is, and what is so wondrous about Him? At the conclusion of this book, Micah present to us a great God full of mercy. He asked, “ Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever...

Sign of Jonah Readings: Micah 6:1-4.6-8; Psalm 50 and Matthew 12:38-42.  AN EVIL AND ADULTEROUS GENERATION SEEKS FOR A SIGN   So many of us are not different from the Scribes and Pharisees seeking signs from Christ as seen in the gospel of today. The readings draws our attention to intensify our belief in Christ, which is all he demands from us.   In the first reading, the prophet Micah states the Lord’s complaint against His people Israel and their response to God, which is applicable to us. God reminded Israel the signs He has shown them, how He had been with them all through their journey, he had done nothing but good and had been repaid with rejection and rebellion. He redeemed Israel and gave them godly leaders. In response to their rejection and rebellious attitude, Israel asked, “ With what shall I come before the Lord? With burnt offerings? With ten thousands of rams? Shall I give my first born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my ...

wheat and weeds Readings: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19; Psalm 85:5-6, 9-10, 15-16; Romans 8:26-27 and Matthew 13:24-43.  CO-HABITATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND SINNERS.    The readings of today takes me down memory lane of my first year(s) in seminary formation, we were to weed the farmland during labour hours, but unfortunately, some of us were unable to identify between crops and weeds. You can imagine the outcome of that day’s labour. Weeding can be the greatest threat of all to the life of the young seedling. Even then, removing the weeds may pose an even greater threat. In view of this that the Church turns our attention to the Lord, the Just Judge who allows the wheat and weeds grow together, and through his mercy calls us to his kingdom.   In the first reading, Wisdom extolled God for being a just judge: “ You have not judged unjustly; for your strength is the source of righteousness. ” This is the nature of God, in his mercy, he pardons us and gives us new opportu...

A bruised reed Readings: Micah 2:1-5; Psalm 10 and Matthew 14.  HOW DO WE TREAT A BRUISED REED OR SMOULDERING WICK?    Do you feel depressed, discouraged? Do you feel like giving up? Do you feel weak or like a failure? Do you feel like a spiritual loser? Do you feel defeated by your sins discouraged by how often you have failed or fallen? This message is for you, “God will never let flame to be totally extinguished, he will not break the bruised reed and quench the dimming burning flame, he will encourage the fainthearted, those tempted to despair. He will see full justice given to all who have been wronged" (Is 42:3). This message cuts across the first reading and gospel of today.   In the first reading, we hear the prophet Micah speaking to those who devise iniquity. In this case, those who oppress others through their greed and covetousness. “ They covet fields, and seize them; house, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, and a man and his ...

Readings: Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22; Psalm 38 and Matthew 12:1-8.  WHAT I WANT IS MERCY, NOT SACRIFICE.     The liturgy of today makes us realize that our sins are not greater than God’s mercy. The mercy of God is crystal clear as Hezekiah prayed for forgiveness, and Christ in the Gospel placed God’s mercy over religious laws and sacrifice.   In the first reading, God heals King Hezekiah, who had been expected to die, and by turning back the shadow of the sun proves that Hezekiah will again go to the temple for prayer. At his awareness of his death, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to God. His prayer was so important. By all indications, if Hezekiah had not made his passionate prayer, then his life would not have been extended. With the prayers of Hezekiah, God showed mercy and brought him healing through medical treatment when Isaiah said, “ Let them take a cake of figs, and apply it to the boil, that he may recover. ” Apparently, God used this medical ...

REST Readings: Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; Psalm 102 and Matthew 11:28-30.  WHEN WAS OUR LAST RETREAT?   While many of us complain of the dark sides of coronavirus pandemic, as nations were short down, people get ill and die, employees losing their jobs, companies facing bankruptcy, schools and churches closed, fears and uncertainties are triggered, there are also bright sides of the pandemic, among which many of us retreat. People had more time to re-evaluate the meaning of life, humanity became the common language for everyone, families that practically had no time for themselves prayed and stayed together. The lockdown gave us moments of rest, but not comparable to the rest Christ meant when he said, “ Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest .” In a similar way, Isaiah tells us in the first reading, “ My soul yearns for you in the night, my spirit within me earnestly seeks you .” Do we seek to have retreat?   Literarily, retre...