29th Jan 2012

We all long to live a meaningful life that is filled with peace, joy and happiness with our family, relatives, friends, colleagues, parishioners and the like.  However, while many of us are already experiencing this in our daily living, there are still many who do not and may begin to think that such longings as “real hope” do not exist and are merely wishful thinking or “empty hopes.”

Jesus has constantly been assuring us, “Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.  Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.”  (Mt 11:28-30).  Is there anyone else that we know in this world who can give us such “real hope”? 

If we wish to live in this “real hope,” we must get to know Jesus in a personal way so that we can “learn from Him.”  To begin this journey of developing a relationship with Jesus, we must first recognise that Jesus is “reachable” at any time (easier than sending “sms”).  He is within my heart loving me personally.  Do I and can I believe this? 

If yes, as in all relationships, we need to spend quality time with the person we love and with whom we want to deepen our relationship.  So, begin to “speak, confide, draw strength from Jesus . . . thank Him . . . in all situations of your life – “personalise” your daily experience with Jesus.  Yes, it is equally important to listen, lean on Jesus, wait patiently and allow Him the space and time also to respond in His Wisdom . . . This is what “real hope” is about . . . you will never be disappointed by Jesus.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Philip Heng, S.J.

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HOMILIES WRITTEN BY FR PHILIP HENG,S.J.