A series of Lenten (and Easter) Reflections based on the signs in the Gospel of John by Fr Francis Lim, SJ, every Thursday (except Tuesdays during Holy Week and Easter Week).
The Gospel of John is also known as the Book of Signs. John portrays these signs as works of wonder by Jesus in order for believers to deepen their faith in Jesus. Through these reflections, Fr Francis hopes to bring our parishioners to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus.

Reflections on the Feeding of the Five Thousand

Feeding of the Five Thousand in John 6:5-15 (23 March)
Like the little boy with the five loaves and two fishes, what is the little I can offer to God in exchange for a bigger miracle? What has God given to me? What does the Eucharist mean to me?

Reflection 1
Ever since I gradually learnt to place my complete faith and trust in God, I have received countless blessings from Him for which I am very grateful and thankful. My day will start with praising and thanking God for all He has bestowed upon me even in the face of trials I may encounter sometimes in life.

In return, I am always praying to Him to lead a more prayerful life in order to grow closer to Him and to love Him more by partaking of the Eucharist during Mass; to spend quiet time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to express how thankful and deeply grateful I am for all He has done for me.  Continue reading John Seven Plus One – Reflection 4/8 →

A series of Lenten (and Easter) Reflections based on the signs in the Gospel of John by Fr Francis Lim, SJ, every Thursday (except Tuesdays during Holy Week and Easter Week).

The Gospel of John is also known as the Book of Signs. John portrays these signs as works of wonder by Jesus in order for believers to deepen their faith in Jesus. Through these reflections, Fr Francis hopes to bring our parishioners to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus.

Reflections on the Healing by the Pool of Bethesda

Healing the paralytic at Bethesda in John 5:1-15 (16 March)
Jesus chooses and heals the paralytic by the Pool of Bethesda. He has been in that situation for a very long time. He is old, dependent on others, lethargic, complainer, blamer and a sinner. Is there any part of my life where I am like the paralytic and need healing?

Reflection 1
1. Who am I in front of Jesus now? I am weak and blind at times and fail to see him who is just beside me. I acknowledge He is our Father and I am His child, loving me, and He is the source of life for me. I am nothing without Him. We need God and one another.

2. What kind of healing do I need now? I ask for conversion of heart to get rid of my old sinful ways and habits. All my sins paralyse me from experiencing God’s love and healing. I want to obey and listen to Him attentively and do His will. God heals me of my indifference and self-centeredness towards others.

3. Do I help carry others to the pool of Bethesda? Sometimes due to my indifference and sinfulness, I fail to carry others to Him. I know that my reluctance to help others can prevent them from experiencing spiritual and physical healing. May God use me as an instrument to help others to seek help from God.  Continue reading John Seven Plus One – Reflection 3/8 →

A series of Lenten (and Easter) Reflections based on the signs in the Gospel of John by Fr Francis Lim, SJ, every Thursday (except Tuesdays during Holy Week and Easter Week).

The Gospel of John is also known as the Book of Signs. John portrays these signs as works of wonder by Jesus in order for believers to deepen their faith in Jesus. Through these reflections, Fr Francis hopes to bring our parishioners to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus.

Reflections on the Healing of the Royal Official’s Son

Healing the royal official’s son in Capernaum in John 4:46-54 (9 March)
Jesus healed the official’s son from a distance by a command of his word. The official’s faith increased from an initial faith to a believing faith. His son was brought from near death to life. Do we also have such a faith?

Reflection 1
My faith in Jesus now is ever more strengthened and strong. And I pray by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that it will continue to grow even if persecution were to hit me, I can still hold on steadfastly.

I can well say my faith is like the analogy the speaker had given us regarding the diagram of Death to Belief to Death to Belief to Life to Belief to Life. Every day is an uphill climb, and on another day it comes trodding to the valley and up again. One thing is for sure, I know I will not go far too deep the fall, as I feel blessed with the friendship, support and fellowship I find in my community of sisters and brothers which seems to grow year by year through joining CTG, KYCS, iChat group, Bible class group, CSWM and even my daily mass acquaintances. I hope to grow in faith and learn with all these people and share in the spreading of God’s love, grace, mercy and Good News to others who are yet to follow in this pilgrimage.

I need all kinds of healing in all aspects of my life as a sinful daughter of God facing the many trials and tribulations in this 21st century. The challenges seem to increase. The greatest healings on top of the list are probably pride and anger, so I can come down be humbled.  Continue reading John Seven Plus One – Reflection 2/8 →

A series of Lenten (and Easter) Reflections based on the signs in the Gospel of John by Fr Francis Lim, SJ, every Thursday (except Tuesdays during Holy Week and Easter Week).

The Gospel of John is also known as the Book of Signs. John portrays these signs as works of wonder by Jesus in order for believers to deepen their faith in Jesus. Through these reflections, Fr Francis hopes to bring our parishioners to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus.

Reflections on the Wedding at Cana

Changing water into wine at Cana in John 2:1-11 – “the first of the signs” (2 March)
Jesus changed water into wine at the request of his mother. The wine is plentiful and of fine quality which is a foretaste of the Kingdom of God as inaugurated by Jesus. Who is this Jesus who manifests his glory in such a manner to me?

Reflection 1
1. Who is Jesus to me now?
Jesus is my Saviour and Redeemer. He has come to bring good news to the world. He has set me and others free from sins.

2. What feelings was evoked in me and why?
I have been given a new lease of life and I thank God for the gift of life and faith. I feel blessed with the gift of Mother Mary to be our mother who cares for the needs of others. I can turn to her for help.

3. What has changed?
I humbly resolved to imitate Mother Mary in her virtues of great humility and obedience and follow Jesus closely.

4. How do I proceed with my faith life from here?
I want to renew my personal commitment to Mother Mary and reciprocate zealously when she says, “Do whatever he tells you” and to the Church by caring more for others in need. It is not easy but with God’s grace and Holy Spirit, all things are possible for God. It is through our service to others that we glorify God.  Continue reading John Seven Plus One – Reflection 1/8 →