A Meal for Strangers, A Meal that Unites, A Meal for Mission

Corpus Christi Year C

Much has been written and spoken about the Eucharist. Can anything else be said about it? I believe that the three readings of today can still give us some new insights.

In the first reading, we have Melchizedek, a foreigner, extending hospitality to Abraham. Melchizedek is not of the same race as Abraham, neither is he a close acquaintance. Melchizedek is in fact a stranger who goes out of his way and shows unusual hospitality to Abraham. Everytime we celebrate the Mass, Jesus extends hospitality to us. He does not only extend hospitality to those who are considered good and holy but also to strangers, luke-warm Christians, and sinners. The Eucharist is not an exclusive meal confined to only a few select people. We must always remember to extend hospitality to all who come to our Church, because in various ways they are hungering and seeking for meaning to their lives.

In the second reading, we read of St. Paul’s harsh words to the Corinthians. The main problem of the Corinthian church was the existence of factions. There were those who were rich and those who were very poor. There were those who thought themselves holier than others. There were those who were followers of Paul and others who were followers of Apollos. But in the Eucharistic community established by Jesus, there can be no room for factions. All are united in the Body of Christ. That is why St. Paul tells us that every time, we eat this bread and drink this cup, we are “proclaiming Christ’s death.” The Eucharist calls us to die to ourselves – to die to our selfishness, our prejudice, our suspicion of others.

Finally, the gospel tells us that the Eucharist calls us to be involved. There is no room for indifference and pushing the responsibility to others in the Eucharistic community. Jesus challenges us at every Mass – “give them something to eat yourselves.” The Mass does not depend on the priest alone. It depends on every one of you – in the way you participate in the Mass. You cannot complain of receiving nothing during the Mass if you do not take the trouble to contribute something. Each of you can contribute something by preparing yourself well before the Mass, by participating in the singing and the responses, and by listening attentively to the Word of God.

Every Mass is an occasion and an opportunity to extend hospitality to others- especially to strangers, the weak, the elderly, little children and those who seem to be alone. Every Mass is an occasion for us to die to ourselves and to our prejudices. Every Mass is an opportunity for us to participate in the mission of Jesus to establish God’s kingdom on earth. Let us pray during the Mass, for the grace to grow in our hospitality, in our self-denial and finally in our participation in the works of Christ.

Love one another as I have loved you

Holy Thursday


“Love one another as I have loved you.” In these words, Jesus summarizes his whole message. Love was the reason why God send his only begotten Son to come among us and to die for us. Love was the reason why Jesus was prepared to be humiliated, be stripped naked and to be nailed on the cross. Love was the cause of the resurrection because there is nothing stronger than love, not even death could hold love back. And finally, it is through love that we would be recognized as disciples of Christ.

“Love one another as I have loved you.” This is the new commandment which Jesus gives to us. What is so new about this commandment? It is new because we no longer need to measure love based on how much we are capable of loving. Rather, we measure love based on how much we are loved by Jesus himself. We love inadequately. We love imperfectly. Only Jesus loved us totally as the Father had loved him and as he had loved the Father.

In today’s liturgy, we are reminded of this commandment. Jesus gives us the mass. At every mass, the priest repeats the words of Jesus: “Do this in memory of me.” “Do this in memory of me” does not only mean that we repeat the gestures of Jesus at our mass. “Do this in memory of me” means that we are to imitate the entire life of Jesus. We must love as he loved. We must forgive as he forgave. We must show compassion as he showed compassion. We must serve one another as he served his brothers and sisters. We must give up our lives as he did on the cross. “Do this in memory of me” becomes the expression of the new commandment “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Jesus will show us the extent of his love for us through his actions. We will soon witness how Jesus washes the feet of his disciples as the priest reenacts the scene of the Last Supper. Jesus would humble himself to take on the role of a slave to serve others. Every time when we celebrate the mass, we too are challenged to serve as he did. We too must put aside our pride and humble ourselves before others. We must not look for honour. We must not look for power. We must not seek to be great. We must not demand to be served by others. Instead, we are called to be a servant of one another.

Tomorrow Jesus will show a greater sign of his love. He will be nailed to the cross and die for us sinners. Every time when we celebrate the mass, we too are reminded of the sacrifice of the cross. We are challenged to put aside our selfishness and centredness. We are challenged to put aside all our masks, the masks that we wear in our homes, our schools, our offices and in church. We are challenged to die for one another – to give up our lives for love.

This is the standard of love which Jesus presents to us: “Love one another as I have loved you.” “Serve one another as I have served you.” “Die for one another as I have died for you.” If we come to understand and appreciate the true meaning of this commandment, then we will understand our mass better. The mass is not a set of empty rituals. The mass reenacts the sacrifice of Christ. The mass makes real the commandment of love. The mass challenges us to live out that same sacrifice and commandment to love one another as Jesus loves us.

First Holy Communion - Fellowship and Presentation of Certificates

The first holy communicants from the English and Mandarin section received their certificates this evening from Fr. Clement Lim. The presentation of certificates was followed by a cutting of cake and fellowship. The theme of this year's first holy communion class was "Soldier of Christ."

First Holy Communion in Visitation - Photos and Videos

First Holy Communion at Visitation

102 children will be receiving first holy communion this weekend. Their Sunday School catechists have prepared them for this special moment in helping to deepen their understanding and love for this Sacrament, the source and summit of Christian life. This is in order to familiarise the child with the Mass and encourage their full, active and conscious participation

Celebrating the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time should be an integral part of the ongoing religious experience of a child. Through the sacrament of baptism, the children received their first initiation into the Catholic community, the Church. Receiving First Communion further initiates a child into the life of the Christian community.

As the primary educators of their child, the parents of these children have also been prepared through formations to undertake this important responsibility and to come to appreciate that they have a most important influence on the faith development of their child.

According to the law and practice of the Church, the children were prepared and have received their first penance (Confession) prior to receiving first holy Communion. Catechesis of the sacrament of penance does not merely help the child to have a healthy appreciation of the gravity and effects of sin but also allows the child to continue to celebrate God's forgiveness and reconciliation through this sacrament, which strengthens the bond of communion celebrated in the Eucharist.

Below is a video of Sam receiving his first communion. Let us pray for our children that they will come to encounter the Eucharistic Lord in this great sacrament and come to treasure him for the rest of their lives.



Below is another video meditation which is based on the words of institution said by the priest during the Eucharistic Prayer.

A Homily for First Holy Communion: Seeing Jesus with the Eyes of Faith

Thirtieth Ordinary Sunday Year B

Who is your best friend? Isn’t Jesus your best friend? Who can be really called a good friend? A really good friend is one who will make time for you. He will always be with you, not only when you are happy, but also when you are sad. A good friend is someone you can turn to for help whenever you are in need. This friend may not be able to solve all your problems but his presence is consolation enough. A truly good friend also challenges you with the truth. He can tell things about you that you do not see in yourself. He does this out of love and not out of revenge. A good friend is one who is able to make all kinds of sacrifices for you. Without a doubt, Jesus is that good friend. He is our best friend.

In today’s gospel, we hear the story of how Jesus healed the blind man and made him see. Sometimes, we too are blind although we have eyes to see. We are blind when we don’t notice the poor and think of their needs. Sometimes, we are blind when we cannot recognize our weaknesses and mistakes. That’s why we need someone to tell us. There are also times, we fail to recognize and see Jesus in others, in our family, our parents, our friends, our school mates, our teachers. Because Jesus is our good friend, he wants to see as he sees. Jesus always loved the poor, those who were handicap, and those who were weak. Jesus also loved the little children and called all his disciples to become like little children. Why did Jesus do this? Jesus wanted his disciples to become like little children because little children see others without judging them.

Today, Jesus also wants to open your eyes to recognize him in the Eucharist. In order to see him, you must use your eyes of faith. Faith is a special gift which God has given to you and to every Christian who has been baptized. Faith allows you to see things as God sees them. Other people who do not have faith only see bread and wine. But if you have faith as your parents and godparents and all the people gathered here have faith, then you would see Jesus in this Eucharist. Do you believe that Jesus is present in the bread and the wine after father blesses it? Do you believe that this is really Jesus who wants to give himself to us?

Jesus gives himself to us as food. We need food in order to grow, and be strong and even to survive. Similarly, our faith needs Jesus in the Eucharist in order to grow, be strong and continue to give life. We must not be selfish when we receive Jesus in holy communion. After receiving Jesus in the communion, Jesus becomes a part of us. His body and blood becomes a part of our body and blood. So, whatever we do and whatever we say would affect Jesus because he is a part of us. Jesus gives himself to us so that we can give ourselves to others. How do we give ourselves to others? We must learn how not to be selfish. WE must learn to love others, even those people whom we do not like. We must help those who ask for our help. We must also help and love the poor, the elderly and those who are weak and not make fun of them. You must share the love of Christ which you receive today with everyone you meet.

Your teachers have told me that you have prepared very well for today’s first holy communion. You have paid attention to your catechism teacher every Sunday. You have participated in the Joy Camp. You have learnt to love Jesus and the Eucharist. Father would like to ask you now: are you ready to receive the Eucharist with faith and love?

Solid Eucharistic Spirituality Needed for Asian Catholic Youth

MAKATI CITY, Philippines : A survey conducted by the Youth Desk of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) shows that young Asians do not understand fully the meaning of the Eucharist, a survey consultant says.

"They (youth) say they participate well at Mass because they sing well, they pray well," but when asked what comes out of this participation and how it helps in relations with others, "the responses are poor," noted Salesian Father Renato de Guzman.

The priest, who was consultant and editor of a report titled "Asian Youth and the Eucharist: A Regional Survey," said most of the youths surveyed said they go to Mass to worship, give thanks and pray. However, more than 32 percent of respondents said they do not belong to Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) or other Church communities. Nearly 43 percent did not even answer the question on BEC membership, Father de Guzman said.

The priest, who is Assistant Principal for Pastoral Affairs at Don Bosco Grade School in Makati City, was speaking to UCA News about the survey conducted in 2008 by the FABC Office of Laity's Youth Desk in preparation for the 9th FABC Plenary Assembly in Manila.

That Aug. 10-16 meeting had the theme "Living the Eucharist in Asia."

The Eucharist is also the theme for the Asian Youth Day the FABC desk is organizing in the Philippines in November.

A total of 1,033 Catholics aged 13-25 from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Singapore took part in the survey. They answered questions aimed at finding out how Asian Catholic youths understand the Eucharist, participate in Eucharistic worship and live the Eucharist in daily life.

"The respondents rate themselves as having an adequate knowledge of the Eucharist -- over 70 percent -- but when we ask about (building) community and specific knowledge, the answers are very weak, and some even bring in superstitious beliefs," Father de Guzman said. He pointed out that 17 percent of respondents said the Eucharist is a means of obtaining good fortune.

Apart from discovering that respondents had a "weak concept of community and mission as gifts of the Eucharist," Father de Guzman cited a lack of influence of parish priests in the formation of the youths' understanding of the Eucharist.

He said only 0.6 percent of survey participants reported the parish as their source of information and understanding of the Eucharist. Formation in Catholic school is "good," the priest noted, but most respondents do not attend Catholic schools. This makes the parish's role even more crucial, he added.

The survey results, he said, challenge clergy, families, catechists, schools and pastoral teams to offer young Catholics in Asia programs to develop "solid and holistic Eucharistic spirituality."

According to the survey report, such a spirituality is concerned about the Christian community as well as God's creation and society.

Courtesy : UCAN

Eucharistic Adoration (The Holy Hour)

What is Eucharistic Adoration?

Understood simply, Eucharistic Adoration is adoring or honouring the Eucharistic Presence of Christ. In a deeper sense, it involves "the contemplation of the Mystery of Christ truly present before us".

During Eucharistic Adoration, we "watch and wait", we remain "silent" in His Presence and open ourselves to His Graces which flow from the Eucharist ... By worshiping the Eucharistic Jesus, we become what God wants us to be! Like a magnet, The Lord draws us to Himself and gently transforms us.

In its fullest essence ... Eucharistic Adoration is "God and Man reaching out for each other, at the same time!"

The Eucharist is: Jesus truly present - Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity!

At the moment of Consecration, during the Mass, the "gifts" of bread and wine are transformed (transubstantiated) into the actual Body and Blood of Christ, at the Altar. This is Real Presence: the actual, physical presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Christ instituted this Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist in order to remain with mankind until the end of time (Jn. 14:18).

The ( reserved ) Blessed Sacrament serves as a focal point of devotion.

Because, as Catholics, we believe that Christ is truly and substantially present in the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament is given the same adoration and devotion that is accorded to Christ.

At the beginning of the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a priest or deacon removes the sacred host from the tabernacle and places it in the Monstrance on the Altar for adoration by the faithful. "Monstrance" is the vessel used in the Church to display the consecrated Eucharistic Host, during Eucharistic adoration or benediction. The word monstrance comes from the Latin word monstrare, meaning "to expose". It is known in Latin as an Ostensorium. When a consecrated host is placed in the monstrance, It is said to be a solemn exposition.

At all other times, the reserved Sacrament is kept locked in the Tabernacle, so that the faithful may pray in the presence of the Sacrament.

"Could you not watch one hour with Me?"

Jesus waits for us in the Blessed Sacrament. He waits for our little Acts of faith, adoration, love, thanksgiving, repentance and charity that we can offer Him as we contemplate -- His Divine Majesty -- in the Blessed Sacrament.

St. Alphonsus Liguori wrote: “Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the Sacraments, the one dearest to God and the one most helpful to us”. The Eucharist is a priceless treasure: By not only celebrating the Eucharist, but also by praying before It outside of Mass, we are enabled to make contact with the very wellsprings of Grace ..."

Pope John Paul II in one of his homilies said, “It is pleasant to spend time with Him, to lie close to His breast like the Beloved Disciple (cf. Jn 13:25) and to feel the infinite love present in His heart ... If, in our time Christians must be distinguished by the “art of prayer”, how can we not feel a renewed need to spend time in spiritual conversation, in silent adoration, in heartfelt love before Christ present in the Most Holy Sacrament?”

"Come to Me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Are you tired because of the burden of your duties, because of frustration due to unsuccessful projects, because many misunderstand you? Are you heavy laden with guilt from past sins? Are you trying to find hope and meaning in life? Do not lose heart! Abandon yourself to Jesus in this "Sacrament of Love": He will refresh you! The more time you spend with Jesus, the more you will come away feeling renewed and healed.

Let us love being with the Lord! There we can speak with Him about everything. We can offer Him our petitions, our concerns, our troubles, our joys, our gratitude, our disappointments, our needs and our aspirations. Above all we can remember to pray: 'Lord send laborers into Your harvest! Help me to be a good worker in Your vineyard!'.

When asked "What would save the world?" ... Mother Teresa replied: "My answer is prayer. What we need is for every parish to come before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in holy hours of prayer."

"O God, You are my God -- for You I long!"

In Psalm 63, the Psalmist longs for the divine life given in the Temple, which is based on a close relationship with God. The Psalm most beautifully expresses the intimate relationship between God and the one who worships Him in His holy Temple.

Such must be OUR praise and total self-giving to Jesus, exposed on the Altar, for our sake!

"O God, You are my God -- for You I long! For You my body yearns; for You my soul thirsts, like a land parched, lifeless, and without water. So I look to You in the Sanctuary to see Your power and glory. For Your love is better than life; my lips offer You worship! I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands, calling on Your name. My soul shall savor the rich banquet of praise, with joyous lips my mouth shall honor You!"

"Remain in Me, as I remain in you."

Through our Adoration, Jesus calls us to a personal relationship (to become His friends and disciples), to "remain in Him" (Divine Intimacy), to "remain in His love" (Keep His commandments). He promises that all those who remain tightly bonded to Him, will bear much fruit and "their joy will be complete". For without Him, we can do nothing.

Through this "friendship", we are inspired and strengthened to take on life's challenges, to carry our daily cross with a new attitude, to become a "new creation" (more and more like Jesus).

"Love one another as I have loved you."

Eucharistic Adoration helps build a community of love. The Eucharist is the Sacrament of unity, Jesus unifying His people. Through the personal love, that one shares with the Saviour, one is more able to grasp the reality that we are the whole Body of Christ.

Prayers as a community, especially intercessory prayers for the needs of the community and the World - help to build a "civilization of love" - to "transform the World". The prayers that we say can draw the World and everybody in the World closer to Christ and to God the Father for His blessing.

Through Eucharistic Adoration - we proclaim Jesus to the World.

Eucharistic Adoration is an affirmation of our faith. Through this vigil of prayer, we give witness to our belief that God is truly dwelling with His people.

Jesus asks for so little! Yet, He gives so much!

"This - The Eucharist - the whole Christ" is His gift to all. Whether we are young or old, sick or healthy, poor or rich, only by regularly partaking in the sacrifice of the Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, can we reap immense spiritual and temporal blessings in our lives!

The Blessed Sacrament is the LIVING FOUNTAIN OF LIFE where we drink in the love of Christ Who alone quenches our thirst.

Come join us in Church, every first Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm after the 7.00 pm evening mass. May our adoration never cease!