Father AJ's sermons follow closely a set pattern and the mass readings of the day. He will begin the mass with a statement about the overall theme of the readings and develop it during homily, starting with the first reading until the gospel, with the occasional quote from the responsorial psalm. Father will finish off with several action points, and sometimes a closing prayer.
He definitely prepares well for his homily, and never gives the impression he is "winging it". However, it is not always easy to give him the deserved attention, given that many are post-prandial at 1pm, and his accent and delivery style is not the easiest to follow..
Today's readings begins with the dramatic scene from 1 Samuel. David manages to infiltrate Saul's camp and has the opportunity to kill the sleeping King Saul, who is hunting him down. David resists the assassination, and only takes Saul's spear and pitcher, which he uses to demonstrate his sincerity in seeking reconciliation between the two of them.
The subsequent readings and psalm builds on this theme of compassion, with the gospel exhorting us to "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly." (Luke 6:27-28).
Jesus throws down the gauntlet to his disciples and us. This challenge to believe and act in diametric opposite to our instincts and societal expectations is a difficult one to truly accept and carry out. Each time I hear this gospel reading, I feel a resistance to this call.
The consequences of such actions done in the right spirit are hard to predict, as God truly works in mysterious ways. This "life is stranger than fiction" story goes to show that what some people really need is just a little love and care.
He definitely prepares well for his homily, and never gives the impression he is "winging it". However, it is not always easy to give him the deserved attention, given that many are post-prandial at 1pm, and his accent and delivery style is not the easiest to follow..
Today's readings begins with the dramatic scene from 1 Samuel. David manages to infiltrate Saul's camp and has the opportunity to kill the sleeping King Saul, who is hunting him down. David resists the assassination, and only takes Saul's spear and pitcher, which he uses to demonstrate his sincerity in seeking reconciliation between the two of them.
The subsequent readings and psalm builds on this theme of compassion, with the gospel exhorting us to "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly." (Luke 6:27-28).
Jesus throws down the gauntlet to his disciples and us. This challenge to believe and act in diametric opposite to our instincts and societal expectations is a difficult one to truly accept and carry out. Each time I hear this gospel reading, I feel a resistance to this call.
The consequences of such actions done in the right spirit are hard to predict, as God truly works in mysterious ways. This "life is stranger than fiction" story goes to show that what some people really need is just a little love and care.
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