📖 The Readings
From Universalis:
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First Reading: Romans 4:20-25 — “We believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead…” Universalis+2Catholic Online+2
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Responsorial Psalm: Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75 — “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.” Catholic Online+1
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Gospel: Luke 12:13-21 — The parable of the rich man and his barns. Universalis+1
🧠 Simple Explanation & Applications
First Reading (Romans 4:20-25):
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Here, Paul speaks of Abraham’s faith. Abraham believed God’s promise even when he could see no visible proof. Because of that faith his righteousness was “reckoned” to him. (v21-22) Universalis+1
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Paul then says the same applies to us: we believe in the One who raised Jesus from the dead, for our justification. (v24-25) Universalis+1
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Application (Singapore style): In our fast-paced SG life, it’s easy to trust only what we can see (e.g., queue length, MRT crowding, WiFi speed!). But here we’re reminded: faith isn’t about visible proof only, but trusting God’s promise—even when our “barns” (plans) seem full or empty.
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Humour angle: Think of Abraham like someone who orders nasi lemak even though the stall says “no stock” but he just knows it’ll arrive. Crazy? Maybe. But Abraham trusted that God could deliver.
Responsorial Psalm (Luke 1:69-70, etc.):
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The psalm praises God for remembering his covenant, establishing salvation, freeing his people to serve him in holiness. Catholic Online
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Application: In our daily grind (office, school, hawker centres), we often forget that God’s presence is real. This psalm invites us to remember: God has come to us, and sets us free to serve without fear.
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Local flavour: It’s like when the kopi auntie remembers you’re a regular and gives you kopi-o less sugar. God remembers you, too!
Gospel (Luke 12:13-21):
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A man asks Jesus to intervene in an inheritance dispute. Jesus refuses to be an arbiter and then warns: “Watch and be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” (v15) Universalis+1
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Then the parable: A rich man’s land produces abundantly; he decides to build bigger barns to store all his goods, then relax. But God says: “Fool! This very night your soul is demanded of you; and the things you prepared, whose will they be?” (v20) Universalis+1
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The key: storing up for oneself vs. being rich towards God.
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Application in Singapore: We might measure success by condo size, car model, latest gadget or number of kopi rounds we buy. But Jesus is saying: these things alone don’t define life or our worth. Are we “rich towards God”? That might mean generosity, compassion, priorities aligned with the Gospel.
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Humour angle: So next time you think “I need a bigger storage locker for all my stuff from Shopee sales”… maybe pause and ask: “Am I building barns—or am I being rich toward God?”
🎯 Reflection Questions
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In what area of life am I trusting only what I can see—rather than believing what God promises?
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How am I using my resources (time, money, talents)? Are they directed toward accumulating “stuff” or being rich in God’s eyes?
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How will I serve without fear this week, remembering that God has come to his people (as the psalm says)?
🙏 Prayer
Lord God,
You raised Jesus from the dead and counted faith as righteousness for those who trust in you. Help me to believe in your promise, even when I cannot see the full picture.
Free me from the trap of storing up for myself alone. Open my heart to be generous—with my time, resources, compassion—so that I may become rich toward you.
Remind me today that life does not consist in what I own, but in being owned by You. (And yes, even in Singapore, You know when my WiFi drops and I panic—but help me to trust You more than my router!)
May I serve you in holiness and justice all my days, as your covenant people. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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