[stephenkhoo]

23 September 2013, Monday, 25th Sunday, Ordinary Time
REBUILDING OUR LIVES
SCRIPTURE READINGS: EZR 1:1-6; LK 8:16-18

The first reading speaks of the return of the exiled to Jerusalem. Under the Persian King Cyrus, he granted the captives a return to their homeland. The king encouraged them to rebuild the temple and gave them much moral support. It seemed like a dream for no one would have thought that a pagan king could be so munificent in allowing them to return home. However, the euphoria did not last long because when they returned home, their temple and homes were in ruins. Over the years in exile, the city had become a wasteland. The task of rebuilding their homeland from scratch was too enormous a task and seemed impossible, even with the generous assistance of King Cyrus.

Truly, rebuilding one’s life after a disaster is not an easy task. Those of us who have lost everything because of bankruptcy, a failed relationship, a bad investment or because of illness, are usually unable to pick ourselves up again. This is even more so if we had suffered betrayal leading to a failed relationship or marriage. On the spiritual level, those of us who are deep in sin and addicted to sexual promiscuity, cheating, lying and even revenge, find too great an ardor to change to a new life in Christ. More often than not, bad habits die hard. To rebuild our personal and moral life is as difficult as it was for the Jews to rebuild their homeland. Like the Jews, we too are tempted to give up in the face of repeated failures and discouragement, and hence return to a life of sin.

How then can we rebuild our lives? The first thing we need to do is to be enlightened in the truth. Hence, as the gospel tells us, we need the light of Christ to shine in our lives. Christ will enlighten the eyes of our minds and heal the wounds of our hearts, so that we will be able to see all things in perspective, especially in the light of faith. Indeed, the gospel reminds us that Jesus is the Light that gives light to us all. Light, of course, stands for truth and goodness. For those who are sincere and seek Jesus, then “nothing is hidden but it will be made clear, nothing secret but it will be known and brought to light.” The psalmist says, “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light” (Ps 36:9).

This light of course is the Word of God. Only the Word of God can search the depths of our hearts and bring us to full repentance. Again, the psalmist writes, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Ps 119:105). If we want to seek the truth, we must come to Jesus who will show us the way to walk not only in the truth but in faith. By exposing ourselves to the Word of God, then the secret desires of our hearts will be brought to light, as the gospel says. More often than not, we try to justify or rationalize our hidden desires instead of acknowledging and coming to terms with them. By repressing our real feelings, we make ourselves believe that we are sincere and true to ourselves. As a result, we are ill prepared when we encounter occasions of sin. We are tempted easily as we are over presumptuous of our strength to overcome sin. With the light of Christ, our hidden thoughts and desires would be revealed.

But the Word of God is not merely to light up the darkness in our lives from the perspective of sin – it is also to give us hope, and to strengthen our faith. Without faith, we will never be able to allow the marvels of God to work in our lives. Just like the Jews in exile – who would have imagined that God would inspire a pagan king to encourage the exiles to return home, and to build a temple for their God! So too, only in faith, do we know that God can work the impossible in our lives. Just as we are about to give up hope on our incorrigible, arrogant, proud, unreasonable and insensitive spouses, we would be surprised that God can one day give them the grace to be enlightened in the truth and bring about their radical conversion. Nothing is impossible to God for those who believe and hope in Him. The Word of God will offer us fresh perspective and insight into the way we look at our struggles and difficulties.

So for those of us who are discouraged in life or still under the bondage of sin and evil; unable to break free from our past, addictions, depression and hopelessness, we must find inspiration from the Word of God. There is no point lamenting our predicament and blaming everyone else, including ourselves, for the situation we are in. We can change and the power is within us, because the Lord lives in us in His Holy Spirit. But we need the wisdom that comes from the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit to initiate this change. We need not be afraid but ask the Lord in prayer and with confidence, because the psalmist assures us that God can restore our fortunes. He said, “Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. The Lord has done marvels for us.”

Most of all, if we want to rebuild our lives, we should, whilst rebuilding our own lives, also simultaneously help to rebuild the lives of others. As we learn to reach out to others in their suffering and pain, we begin to see life in perspective, and become more grateful and appreciative of what we have and at the same time, be attuned with the sufferings of humanity. In this way, we do not become myopic but instead, recognize that we are not alone in suffering, but are in pain in solidarity. Hence, more than ever, we must support and encourage each other.

Truly, the best way to change our lives is to not simply be on the defensive but on the offensive, that is, by evangelization; by being His light and love in the world. This is what the gospel is inviting us to do. Receiving the light is never for ourselves, but in order that we might light up the lives of others around us. We must proclaim the Good News we have received to others, instead of hiding it. The truth is that many Catholics are too shy or indifferent to share their faith. Consequently, the little faith they have will eventually flicker and die. The surest way of protecting and growing one’s faith is to teach others, share with others and live out the faith in daily life. Failing which, Jesus warns us, “So take care how you hear; for anyone who has will be given more; from anyone who has not, even what he thinks he has will be taken away.” The more we give Jesus away, the more our faith in Him will grow.

So let us take courage from the scripture readings of the day. We can rebuild our lives. We can rebuild our marriage, our family and our business. We can rebuild the faith that we have lost. All we need to do is to take courage in coming to Jesus, the Word of God, and on finding Him, pray for greater courage to proclaim Christ to others. Let us share with others what God has done for us in our lives, just like the psalmist who in exuberance declares, “The Lord has done marvels for us. When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.”