Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

Today, we embark on the sacred season of Advent, a time of preparation for the celebration of Christmas. However, what is the Advent liturgy? Far more than a simple calendar countdown, it is the Church's masterfully designed spiritual curriculum for preparing our hearts. Rooted in ancient tradition and endowed with enduring relevance, the Advent liturgy is a season of devout and expectant delight, training Catholics to celebrate both Christ's historic birth and His promised Second Coming.

A Twofold Foundation: Remembering and Awaiting

The structure and spirit of Advent are deeply rooted in the teachings of the early Church Fathers and the universal Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church perfectly captures its dual purpose, stating that by remembering the long preparation for the Messiah's first arrival, the faithful simultaneously renew their "ardent desire for His second coming." This means that during Advent, we are not merely re-enacting an ancient story; we are actively participating in the same posture of hopeful waiting that characterized God's people for centuries.

The scriptural readings at Mass help to focus our attention. They are a clear and urgent summons to spiritual attentiveness rather than a place for speculative contemplation. Jesus' own parables (Matthew 24:37-44) are central to the liturgy. They teach us to be "alert and ready," avoiding a life so weighted down by worldly cares that we forget our ultimate goal. The writings of the Church Fathers, proclaimed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours, provide a practical guide for this preparation, exhorting us to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" and turn away from sin.

Relevance for the Modern Catholic

In our contemporary world, characterized by distraction, noise, and a demand for instant gratification, the ancient wisdom of the Advent liturgy offers a vital and counter-cultural path.

A School of Virtue: Advent functions as an annual training ground for essential Christian virtues. In a culture that avoids delay at all costs, this season intentionally cultivates patience, hope, and perseverance. It teaches us how to live well "on the way," trusting in God's perfect timing rather than our own impatient schedules. This disciplined waiting makes the eventual celebration of Christmas infinitely more meaningful and profound.

A Call to Focused Vigilance: The constant barrage of information and entertainment scatters our attention. The Advent liturgy invites us to develop what can be called a "quiet eye"—a laser-sharp spiritual focus on Christ. This vigilance is not passive; it is actively expressed through living upright and moral lives, performing acts of charity for those in need, and maintaining a constant prayerful awareness. This focused living heightens our vigilance and provides hope not only for ourselves but for our world."

A Remedy for Premature Celebration: In the face of a commercial culture that often launches "Christmas" in November and abandons it by December 26th, the liturgical preservation of Advent is a necessary corrective. The use of purple vestments, moderated decorations, and a penitential spirit creates a distinct season of joyful anticipation. Traditions like the progressive lighting of the Advent wreath and the chanting of the "O Antiphons" in the final days provide a structured, building sense of excitement that culminates precisely at the proper time—the Christmas feast.

In essence, the Advent liturgy is the Church's profound gift to the faithful. It is a timeless, fatherly guide that schools us in the art of hopeful and watchful expectation, directing our gaze to the Lord who entered history in Bethlehem, who dwells with us now in the Eucharist, and who will come again in glory. (*) 

Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

The solemnity of Christ the King presents a profound contrast between two very different kinds of kingdoms: the earthly, political dynasty of King David and the eternal, cosmic sovereignty of Jesus Christ. The liturgical readings for this feast trace a clear trajectory, moving from a human monarchy to a divine reign defined by transformative love, ultimately revealing a kingship that subverts and redefines all worldly notions of power.

This kingship was not won by the sword but established through the profound sacrifice of the Cross, "making peace by the blood of his cross."

Our journey begins in the Second Book of Samuel with the political anointing of David. The tribes of Israel come to him, acknowledging their shared bloodline and, crucially, his military leadership: "it was you who led out and brought in Israel." David's kingdom is formally established through a sacred covenant made "before the Lord." Yet, for all its divine sanctions, it remains a human institution. It is a kingdom defined by geographical borders, military campaigns, and the complex governance of a fallen world. While it points toward a future, greater fulfillment promised by God, it is inherently limited and incapable of achieving that ultimate redemption on its own.

This promised fulfillment is spectacularly revealed in the hymn from the Letter to the Colossians, which completely explodes our understanding of kingship. Here, Christ is presented not merely as a ruler over a single nation, but as the "image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation." His sovereignty is not territorial but cosmic in scale; "all things were created through him and for him." He is simultaneously the source, the sustainer, and the ultimate purpose of all existence. This kingship was not won by the sword but established through the profound sacrifice of the Cross, "making peace by the blood of his cross." His ultimate authority, therefore, is rooted not in dominion, but in his primacy in love and redemption.

The King is crowned not with gold, but with thorns; his throne is the brutal wood of the Cross. In his moment of extreme agony, flanked by convicted criminals, his divine power is manifested in an unexpected way: through radical mercy.

The Gospel of Luke then brings this vast cosmic reality into shocking and intimate focus. The King is crowned not with gold, but with thorns; his throne is the brutal wood of the Cross. In his moment of extreme agony, flanked by convicted criminals, his divine power is manifested in an unexpected way: through radical mercy.

His words to the penitent criminal, "today you will be with me in Paradise," serve as the ultimate revelation of his kingship. He does not use his power to save himself; he uses it to save others. He reigns not by crushing the guilty, but by pardoning them. His power is perfected in utter vulnerability, and his victory is achieved through total self-emptying love.

In conclusion, the Kingdom of David was a shadow cast forward in time, while the Kingdom of Christ is the eternal substance. David's kingdom was maintained by force and political savvy; Christ's is established by grace and sacrifice. David ruled from a palace throne; Christ reigns from the Cross.

On this feast day, we are thus called to acknowledge not a distant, political sovereign, but the very heart of all reality—a King whose fundamental law is love, whose scepter is mercy, and whose throne is the wood of the Cross, from which he draws all humanity to himself in an eternal embrace. (*) 

Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

"The days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."

Where do we place our final trust—in our strength, or in God's? Our answer determines our destiny.

1. The Fate of the Self-Reliant: Consumed by Fire

The prophet Malachi describes a final day of judgment, "burning like an oven" (Malachi 4:1). This fire will consume the arrogant and evildoers, leaving them with "neither root nor branch."

Who are these people? They are not necessarily outwardly wicked, but they are ultimately self-reliant. In Malachi's time, there were people who performed religious rituals but trusted in their own power, wealth, or political alliances. Their security was built on the unstable foundations of human ability and pride.

God's judgment, therefore, is not a random punishment. It is the inevitable consumption of a life built on flimsy materials. When our identity is rooted in our achievements, the revealing light of God's truth burns away everything that cannot last. A structure of straw cannot survive a refining fire.

2. The Hope of the God-Reliant: Healed by the Sun

For the same "day" that brings fire to the arrogant brings life to those who fear the Lord. Malachi calls it the rising of the "sun of righteousness" (Malachi 4:2).

The sun is not destructive; it is life-giving. It provides warmth, light, healing, and growth. To stand under this sun is to be wrapped in God's own goodness and peace. The security of the God-reliant is not in their own unshakeable strength, but in God's unwavering faithfulness. Their lives are rooted in Him, and they will bear eternal fruit.

3. The Shattering of Our Modern Temples

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus makes this warning immediate. His disciples were admiring the Jerusalem Temple—a magnificent symbol of religious, national, and architectural security. They were relying on the Temple.

Jesus shatters this illusion, prophesying that not one stone would be left upon another (Luke 21:6). His message is clear: everything we might rely on—from our nation to our closest relationships—can and will be taken away.

4. The Promise When Everything Falls Apart

Yet, in the midst of this total collapse, Jesus gives a stunning command and a promise. He tells His followers that this crisis will be their "opportunity to bear testimony" (Luke 21:13). They are not to rely on pre-planned speeches because He Himself will provide the words and wisdom they need.

This is the glorious twist: the end of self-reliance is the beginning of divine reliance. When we have no plan, no power, and no security of our own left, we are perfectly positioned to experience God's provision. Our job is not to control the outcome but to endure in trust. Jesus promises that our eternal identity, rooted in Him, is utterly secure even if our physical safety is threatened.

Conclusion: Our Choice of Foundation Today

The message is clear: the fire that consumes the self-reliant is the same sun that heals the God-reliant. The crises that shatter the world's temples are the very opportunities for God's people to bear witness.

Our calling is to be a people who, while engaging with the world, do not rely on its structures. We are to be the ones who, when the stones are falling, can stand with quiet endurance. Our security is not in a temple of our making but in being a "living stone" in God's eternal Temple, founded on the unshakable rock of Jesus Christ. Where we place our reliance defines our end. (*) 

 Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

"We gather as the Church because we are the building."

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The Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica invites us to look beyond its physical grandeur. This celebration is about our identity and purpose as the Church. It directs our gaze to the true, living Temple founded by God.

1. The Unshakable Foundation: Jesus Christ

"Nobody can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid: Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Every great structure requires a solid base. For the Lateran Basilica, and for the entire Church, that foundation is not marble but a person: Jesus Christ. This truth was revealed when Peter proclaimed, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Our faith in Jesus—in His life, death, and resurrection—is the bedrock upon which everything else is built.

When we look at the Church in the world, we see its flaws: sin, failure, and division. It can appear fragile. This feast day, however, calls us to remember what lies beneath the surface. The Church's stability does not depend on the virtue of its leaders or its members, but on Christ alone. He is the unshakable rock upon which our faith, hope, and unity securely rest.

2. The Living Temple: The Body of Christ

"Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up... But he was speaking about the temple of his body" (John 2:19-21).

While the Lateran is a sacred place, Jesus Christ is the ultimate place of encounter with God. Jesus is the new and eternal Temple where heaven and earth are reconciled.

This truth transforms our understanding. We do not go to a church building to find a confined God. We gather as the Church because we are the building. As St. Peter says, we are "living stones" being built into a "spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5). The Lateran Basilica is a powerful symbol of this reality. Every baptism adds another "living stone" to this spiritual structure, and every Eucharist unites us more deeply as the one Body of Christ.

3.The Source of Life: The Saving Waters

"Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me... rivers of living water will flow from within them'" (John 7:37-38).

From the wounded side of Christ, the new Temple on the cross, flowed blood and water. This symbolizes the sacramental life of the Church, which springs from the very heart of God. It is the water of Baptism that makes us children of God and incorporates us as living stones.

The baptistry of the Lateran Basilica stands as a powerful reminder that the Church is a community born from this living water. We are a people reborn and continually renewed by the Spirit. This grace is not a stagnant pool but a dynamic river—flowing from Christ to renew the whole world (Ezekiel 47:1-12).

Conclusion: The Church We Celebrate

On this feast day, we look upon the magnificent Lateran Basilica. We see a sign and an icon of the true Church. We see a community founded not on human power, but on the rock of Christ; composed not of dead stones, but of ourselves, the living temples of the Holy Spirit; and sustained not by worldly wisdom, but by the life-giving waters flowing from our Savior. (*)

Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

"What appears as punishment—suffering and death—is, in truth, a purification."

Of all human certainties, death is the most universal, yet it remains the great unknown. This profound mystery has been explored through two primary lenses: the philosophical, which asks how death shapes life, and the theological, which reveals what lies beyond it. Together, they provide a comprehensive understanding of the final destination for the faithful and just.

Philosophically, death is not merely an end but a fundamental inquiry into life's meaning. It confronts us with our finitude—the stark reality that our conscious existence is bounded by time.

This recognition forces a crucial question: How does the certainty of death shape a meaningful life? Some schools of thought, like Epicureanism, see death's finality as liberating.

If death is simply non-existence—the cessation of all sensation and self—then there is nothing to fear, for we will never experience it. The focus, therefore, should be on attaining tranquility and pleasure in the present.

In stark contrast, existentialists like Martin Heidegger view death as life's defining horizon. It is not a distant event but a constant possibility that injects life with urgency and authen-ticity.

The awareness of our mortality jolts us out of mundane conformity, demanding that we live passionately, take respon-sibility for our existence, and choose authenticity over mere existence.

Thus, philosophy pivots the question from "What happens when we die?" to "How should we live, knowing that we will die?" It is the ultimate limit that paradoxically provides shape, depth, and significance to the human journey.

Theology, particularly the Christian tradition as revealed in Scripture, offers a complementary perspective.

The Book of Wisdom (3:1-9) promptly corrects our limited vision. It proclaims, "The souls of the just are in the hand of God."

What appears as punishment—suffering and death—is, in truth, a purification. Their hope is filled with immortality. They are at peace and will shine with grace, as God has taken them to Himself.

It is not merely a symbol but a spiritual reality, where our old self is crucified. We die to sin once so that we can live for God forever.

The end of earthly life, then, is not a catastrophic failure but the final step in a journey that began at the font—a passage into the fullness of resurrected life.

This transformed life must bear fruit, a truth made breath-takingly concrete in Matthew 25:31-46. Our final judgment will not be based on theological abstractions but on practical, self-giving love.

Christ identifies so intimately with the needy that to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the imprisoned is to serve Christ Himself. The just are those whose union with Christ in death manifests in compassionate service to Christ in life.

Therefore, for the faithful, the end of life is not a solitary, terrifying event. It is the glorious life already hidden within God. It is the final awakening into the eternal reality for which they were reborn—a reality they have already been living through every act of love offered to their neighbor. Their faithfulness finds its ultimate reward: to enter the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world. (*) 

Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

The prayer of the poor, the humble, and the broken is a universal cry to God, as illustrated in the wisdom of Sirach and the parable of Jesus in Luke's Gospel. The passage from Sirach establishes a foundational truth about God's character: impartiality and a tendency toward those who have no earthly advocate.

The "poor" in this context are not only the economically dis-advantaged but the anawim—the poor in spirit, the marginalized, the oppressed, the orphan, and the widow. Their prayer is not a polished, rhetorical appeal; it is a raw, honest cry of need.

In Luke's Gospel, Jesus takes the principle from Sirach and incarnates it in a stunning parable. He presents two men at prayer: a Pharisee, the model of religious observance, and a tax collector, a symbol of colla-boration with Rome and personal sin. The Pharisee's prayer is one of self-congratulation, listing his virtues and comparing himself favorably to others, such as the tax collector.

His prayer, though addressed to God, is ultimately a monologue about himself. However, the tax collector embodies the "prayer of the poor." He stands at a distance, physically expressing his feeling of unworthiness. He would not even look up to heaven, a sign of shame and contrition. He beat his breast, a traditional gesture of profound grief and repentance. And his prayer is devastatingly simple: "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

The convergence of these two passages offers a radical blueprint for the life of faith. The primary lesson is about the posture of our hearts before God. Christian prayer is not about informing God of our accomplishments or negotiating with Him based on our goodness.

It is about approaching Him with the honesty and dependence of the tax collector. True prayer begins with the recognition of our spiritual poverty—"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). True prayer begins not because we are worthy, but because He is merciful.

The currency of the Kingdom is grace, received only by those who acknowledge their need for it. When we inflate ourselves with spiritual pride, we essentially block ourselves from receiving God's grace. This spiritual truth carries significant social implications. A Christian cannot remain indifferent to the plight of the poor, the marginalized, the orphan, and the widow. Our faith calls us to listen to their cries and become agents of God's justice and compassion in the world, echoing Sirach's God, who "listens to the prayer of the one who is wronged."

Finally, the "prayer of the poor" is the model prayer for every Christian. It is the prayer of the tax collector, the widow, the orphan, and the sinner in each of us. Jesus himself has promised that this prayer would be heard.

Let us learn to pray from the rear of the temple, with lowered eyes and a humble heart. May our prayer focus less on listing our virtues and more on pleading for His mercy. In our destitution, we discover His abundance; in our humility, we encounter His exaltation; and in our sincere plea for assistance, we encounter the ever-listening God, prepared to vindicate and eager to renew. (*) 

Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

Today's readings, for the 29th of Ordinary Time, speak about the importance of persistent prayer. Exodus 17:8-13 and Luke 18:1-8 — Moses raising his hands and a widow pleading with a judge — paint a profound picture of the Christian life. At their core, both stories describe the vital and challenging work of persistent prayer and its relevance for every one of us.

In the Exodus narrative, the Amalekites attacked the Israelites, prompting Moses to send Joshua to lead the battle while he ascended a hill with the staff of God. The outcome of the battle hinged on Moses' posture of prayer; as long as he held his hands aloft, Israel triumphed, but when he lowered them, the enemy advanced. This act symbolizes dependence on God, with his raised arms representing intercession. Aaron and Hur provided a stone for him to sit on and held his arms until victory was achieved.

In Luke 18, Jesus instructs his disciples to "should always pray and not give up." He uses the example of a persistent widow who wears down an unjust judge with her continual pleas for justice. If even a corrupt, self-serving judge will eventually act because of her persistence, how much more will our loving Heavenly Father hear and answer His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night?

The relevance of these passages for the Christian life is powerful and multifaceted:

Prayer is a battle, not a passive wish.

Like the Israelites, we are in a spiritual conflict. Our prayers are not just a quiet devotional practice; they are active engagements where we "fight on our knees." We intercede for others, for our communities, and against the forces of darkness, trusting that our prayers, like Moses' arms, have a real impact on the outcome.

Persistence is a form of faith.

The widow did not have a complicated theology; she had a raw, stubborn need. Her continual coming was an act of faith that refused to accept defeat. Similarly, our persistent prayers are not meant to inform God of our needs but to strengthen our trust in His timing and character. It is faith that perseveres, even in the face of delayed answers.

We are not meant to pray alone. Moses grew weary.

The Christian life is not a solo endeavor. We need our own "Aaron and Hur"—a community of faith to support us when our spiritual strength fails. Small groups, prayer partners, and the wider church exist to hold up our arms in prayer, reminding us that we are part of a body, fighting and believing together.

The foundation is God's character, not our effort.

The fundamental contrast between the unjust judge and our God lies in His nature. We persevere not because God is hesitant, but because He is just and loving. Our persistence is grounded in the assurance that He will bring justice for His people. Jesus ends the parable with a poignant question: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?" The type of faith He seeks is the enduring, steadfast, widow-like faith that relies on God until the end.

To conclude, the raising of hands and the widow's plea urge us towards a life of steadfast, communal, and hopeful prayer. They serve as a reminder for us to continue asking, seeking, and knocking. Additionally, we require support from our fellow believers and a foundation in the unwavering promise that our faithful God listens and will respond. (*) 

Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

In the ancient world, leprosy represented a fate worse than death—a living death marked by physical decay, social ostracism, and religious exclusion. Lepers were severed from their families, communities, and worship, earning the name "the brothers of death." Against this stark backdrop, the biblical accounts of Naaman's healing (2 Kings 5) and Jesus' cleansing of the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19) speak with profound relevance to the spiritual "lepers" of today.

The Universal Plight: Recognizing Our Leprosy

To understand healing, it is essential first to comprehend the affliction of spiritual lepro-sy, which manifests in three primary forms: the leprosy of sin and shame (feelings of unworthiness and separation from God and others); the leprosy of isolation (profound loneliness in a world that is technolo-gically connected yet emotionally disconnect-ed); and the leprosy of des-pair (the belief that one's brokenness is permanent and irredeemable).

In this light, we all share the identity of "brothers of death." These biblical narra-tives are not merely historical miracles; they provide a blueprint for liberation from all that corrupts and isolates the human spirit.

The Path to Healing: Obedience and Faith in Action

Both stories reveal that healing begins with obedient faith. Naaman, the proud Syrian commander, expected a dramatic cure but was instructed to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Only when he humbled himself and obeyed what seemed a foolish command was he healed.

His immersion symbolizes baptism—a death to the old, prideful self and a resurrection to new life.

Similarly, the ten lepers in Luke's Gospel cried out to Jesus for mercy. He did not touch them but commanded, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." In a remarkable act of faith, they turned to go while still diseased. Their healing occurred "as they went," in the very act of obedience. The lesson is that healing requires humility and steps of faith taken amid brokenness.

The Chasm Between Healing and Salvation

A crucial distinction emerges between being healed and being made whole. All ten lepers were physically cleansed, yet only one—a Samaritan foreigner—returned to give thanks. Jesus told him, "Your faith has saved you." It signifies full salvation, not merely physical restoration.

Likewise, Naaman's healing transcended his physical condition. He declared, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel." And he sought Israel's soil to worship Yahweh. His healing culminated in conversion—a transfer of allegiance that signified salvation, not just a cure.

The message emphasizes that while it is possible to receive God's blessings, such as healing, provision, or success, one can still miss their intended purpose if there is no internal change. It asserts that true wholeness is achieved through returning to God in grateful worship, recognizing Him as the source of all good gifts. Gratitude serves as a bridge between receiving a blessing and truly encountering the Blesser.

A Message for the Modern Leper

These stories offer a trans-formative path for those burdened by sin, shame, or despair, urging them to acknowledge their broken-ness and call for healing. The healing journey begins with obedience to God, even when it seems illogical. True whole-ness is achieved not just through receiving blessings, but also through gratitude, turning back to express thanks, as the healed leper did.

"Brother of Death" is not our final identity. Through humi-lity, faith, and gratitude, we discover our true title: children of God, restored, saved, and made complete. (*) 

We would like to invite the Women of St. Anne's to join the many before who have participated in the Walk to Emmaus spiritual retreats in Hong Kong.

Like its predecessor, Cursillo de Christiandad ("short course in Christianity"), the Walk to Emmaus is a three-day experience, which takes a New Testament look at Christianity as a lifestyle. It is a highly structured weekend designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people, and through them: their families, congregations, and the world in which they live. Emmaus is a combined effort of laity and clergy towards the renewal of the Church.

The next Women's Walk #85 will take place from Thursday evening, October 16 to Sunday afternoon, October 19 at the Tao Fong Shan Christian Center in Shatin.

For more information, please contact:

Vivian Lee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or whatsapp 6100-0880 or
Gigi Tse at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or whatsapp 9318-8212

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER EMMAUS?
Your Walk lasts only 72 hours, but you are invited to build on it for the rest of your life. Those who attend a Walk to Emmaus are encouraged to do two things following their Walk:
1. Expand their own spiritual lives through study and congregational participation.
2. Become more active disciples of Christ in the world through their churches.
The focus of Emmaus is God as known in Jesus Christ, and how a relationship with Him finds expression in the local church. The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, and places of work.

AN ECUMENICAL EXPERIENCE

Founded in 1996, the Hong Kong the Walk to Emmaus community includes people from more than 160 Christian churches, of many different denominations, who come together in fellowship to deepen their relationship with Christ and with each other. 

Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

The word 'faith' can sometimes feel like a vague spiritual concept, but the Bible presents it as something far more concrete and active. Through the writings of the prophet Habakkuk and the teachings of Jesus in Luke's Gospel, we see that genuine faith is best understood as a steadfast faithfulness. This loyal, persistent trust sustains us through seasons of waiting, challenging obedience, and humble service.

1. Faithfulness in Waiting: Trusting God's Timing

The book of Habakkuk begins with a cry that echoes our hearts in times of distress: "How long, O Lord?" The prophet is surrounded by injustice and violence, and God appears to be silent. When God does answer, it is with a perplexing plan: He will use the ruthless Babylonians to enact judgment. This leaves Habakkuk struggling to understand how a God can use a wicked nation.

God's response provides the foundation for a life of faith. He tells Habakkuk to write down the vision, assuring him that it will surely come to pass at the appointed time, even if there is a delay. The central command is this: "The upright will live by his faithfulness." Here, "faithfulness" (from the Hebrew "emunah") means steadfastness, loyalty, and endurance. It is not a passive hope, but an active, dogged trust in God's character and promises that allows a person to truly "live"—to possess hope and stability—even when their world is falling apart. It is faithfulness during the wait.

2. Faithfulness in Obedience: Trusting God's Power

In the New Testament, we see this same principle applied to the daily life of a disciple. When Jesus teaches about the demanding call to forgive others repeatedly, the apostles feel overwhelmed and cry out, "Increase our faith!"

Jesus's reply is profound. He redirects their focus from the amount of their faith to its quality. He says that if they had faith even as small as a mustard seed, they could command a mulberry tree to be uprooted and planted in the sea. It is not primarily about performing miracles, but a powerful metaphor for the impossible tasks of discipleship—such as radical forgiveness. The point is that even a tiny, yet genuine and active, trust in God's power is sufficient to overcome deeply rooted obstacles. It is faithfulness in obedience.

3. Faithfulness in Service: Trusting God's Grace

Jesus tells a parable about a servant who, after a long day's work, simply continues serving his master without expecting thanks. Jesus concludes, "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"

This teaching instills humility in our understanding of faith. It corrects the notion that our faithfulness puts God in our debt. True, steadfast faith recognizes that our obedience is simply our duty. Our ultimate standing before God depends not on our faithful performance but on His grace.

In summary, "living by faithfulness" is a resilient, active, and humble trust. It is what sustains us as we wait for God's promises, empowers us to obey His difficult commands, and enables us to serve Him simply because He is worthy. It is the practical strength and spirit of the Christian life.(*) 

Father Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm.

The message of the Christian faith culminates in the Cross of Jesus Christ. It is a paradox—a symbol of brutal execution that God transformed into the wellspring of eternal life and the throne of glory. As seen in the chapters from Numbers, Philippians, and John, this important truth is exquisitely foreshadowed in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New.

1. A Symbol of Death Becomes a Source of Life (Numbers 21:4-9)

The journey of the Israelites in the desert mirrors our spiritual journey. Their impatience and rebellion against God (sin) resulted in a deadly consequence: an invasion of venomous snakes. The punishment came directly from their sin, and they were utterly powerless to save themselves. In their desperation, they cried out for mercy. God's response was unexpected. He instructed Moses to lift up a bronze snake on a pole. Those who were bitten could look upon this elevated symbol and live.

The prefiguration in John 3:14 depicts a powerful act of faith where God provides salvation through a lifted-up symbol, the snake on a pole. This act of faith requires us to believe in God's word and look upon our judgment to be healed. Jesus emphasized that this event directly points to Him. The Cross represents our sin being placed on Christ and defeated.

2. The Humility and Obedience of the Cross (Philippians 2:6-11)

The Book of Numbers and Philippians detail Christ's journey from glory to humility, where He emptied Himself, became a servant, and was obedient to death, even on a cross. This act of humble obedience, embracing human sin and suffering, led to God exalting Him to the highest place. The journey to glory was paved with the humiliation of the Cross, highlighting the profound humility and obedience of Jesus.

3. God's Love Revealed for Salvation (John 3:13-17)

Jesus, in his conversation with Nicodemus, reveals that he is the Son of Man who must be raised on the Cross for eternal life. The Cross is not about wrath but divine love, and it is the ultimate gift God gave to accomplish salvation. Those who believe in the crucified and risen Christ are not condemned.

The Only Path

The passages depict the Israelites' struggle with sin and eternal death, highlighting God's love for his Son, who humbled himself and obediently died on the Cross. Looking in faith to Christ brings spiritual salvation and eternal life, as the Cross, an instrument of shame, became the place where Christ won our salvation.

Therefore, the Cross of Jesus Christ is indeed the only path. It is the only place where God's justice and mercy perfectly meet. It is the only sufficient sacrifice for sin. It is the ultimate revelation of God's love. This is the only means by which we are saved, transformed, and granted access to the glory of God. Our response is to look at it, believe, and live. Are we ready to take up our cross and follow Jesus Christ, the Crucified? (*) 

"No pain, no gain." Many people use this saying to educate and motivate. This proverb, known since ancient Greek and Jewish times up to the modern era, explains the relationship between effort and results, or sacrifice and reward. While every success comes at a cost, people must wisely choose only the necessary sacrifices. The Word of God in today's Gospel (Luke 14:25-33) also speaks about the price that must be paid by those who wish to become disciples of Jesus.

Jesus presents His demands using hyperbolic language. "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26).

This statement poses a great challenge. Jesus requires that all who want to follow Him must love Him above everything else.

Furthermore, Jesus stresses that following Him is a decision that comes with a significant cost. Therefore, one must carefully consider everything. Jesus compares it to someone wanting to build a tower—a tall, prominent structure visible to all.

A tower can elevate one's prestige. Don't many nations compete to build the tallest towers? Likewise, following Jesus is an action of immense value, deserving enormous appreciation. Therefore, one must prepare diligently and carefully for it. Failing to complete it would only bring shame.

Jesus also illustrates it as a battle. Someone who wants to follow Jesus is like a person going to war. They must assess their own strength and consider the strength of their opponent. This means those who wish to follow Jesus must be prepared to face various external challenges.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer argues that the cost of discipleship is everything. It is a whole-life response to God's costly grace, requiring immediate obedience, daily cross-bearing, and active love. His life and death stand as a powerful testament to this conviction.

There is one more demand that Jesus clearly states at the end of today's Gospel. "In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples" (Luke 14:33). The demand is not only to prioritize Jesus above family but also to detach oneself from all possessions.

At first glance, all that Jesus teaches and demands seems beyond human capability. When relying solely on human understanding, no one can fully comprehend it. The first reading underscores this: "Who can ever learn the will of God? For human reasoning is inadequate, and our intentions are prone to failure. Our mortal bodies weigh down our souls, and our earthly anxieties hinder our ability to understand" (Wisdom 9:13-14).

Do we wish to be followers of Jesus? Remember His demands. If we are already His followers, we must understand the price that must be paid. Are we ready to pay the cost of discipleship? "No pain, no gain." May the Lord grant us the courage to follow Jesus and pay the price of true discipleship. (*)