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John Seven Plus One – Reflection 7/8
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 Raising of Lazarus
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in John 11 (11 April)
What are the things that bind or blind me? How is Jesus the resurrection and the life to me?
Reflection 1
What are the things that bind me? I think I am being haunted by my past. I have been struggling to let go of my painful past – full of hurt, discrimination and impartiality, seeing myself as a victim of my parents’ unpleasant life. My parents’ bitterness and quarrelsome nature fill my memories of growing up, in a way have made me who I am today – lack of confidence, trust and reclusive in dealing with people. Nothing seems to please my parents – there is never enough and their expectations seem endless. In my family, there is only one way – my parents’ way, we, the children, are never seen as individuals who have our own ideas and ways of life. Trust me, I do try very hard to get what they want, but as I grow older, I am getting worn and impatient. Acknowledgement is what I have never expected, but why still so many moans and groans after things expected are done accordingly? This is what I do not understand. Continue reading John Seven Plus One – Reflection 7/8
John Seven Plus One – Reflection 6/8
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 Healing of the Man Born Blind
Jesus heals the man born blind in John 9 (6 April)
What are the things that prevent me from seeing Jesus? What do I need to do to overcome my narrow-mindedness and blindness to other people?
Reflection 1
What do I see in Jesus?
I see Jesus as my dear friend who walks and journeys with me. In Him I find love, peace and joy. I can depend on Him even when things are not going the way I expect them to. He will be there for me. I have to learn to surrender to Him which is easier said than done. But I am trying as the days go by with His grace and mercy.
What do I need to be cleared of blindness or narrow-mindedness in my life?
Learning to detach oneself from possessions in terms of material and relationships (being able to agree to disagree). Nothing in this life will last but to look forward to life everlasting with the Lord. Continue reading John Seven Plus One – Reflection 6/8
John Seven Plus One – Reflection 5/8
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 Jesus Walking on Water
Jesus Walks on Water in John 6:16-21 (30 March)
In the midst of the dark storm in the sea, Jesus comes walking to the disciples struggling in the boat and says to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Who is the Almighty God to me in challenging times? Do I have faith that Jesus walks with me in those times?
Reflection 1
The reflection is beautiful, punctuated with songs and psalms, food for the soul, and thus making the reflection complete.
Behind the beautiful façade is my share of turmoil of life. Like the apostles in the boat, it causes fears and anxieties. Most of the time, one encounters the hiccups in life by one’s low human intelligence and reasoning. One forgets Jesus’s presence easily.
Jesus seems like a ghost because one is so preoccupied with self-thoughts until He calls out. (Be still and know that I am God – Psalm 46:10) He knows. He calls. By focusing on Him, one’s fears and anxieties are deemed insignificant.
Walking on the impossible but it is possible with God.
Then, in a split of moment, one focuses elsewhere. The waters are raging, fears and anxieties set in again.
Like Peter I sink again.
God is merciful. He helps me immediately.
For this Lent, one hopes that one can learn to trust in God and to learn to know His presence always. Continue reading John Seven Plus One – Reflection 5/8
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 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