Bill Hao

Worship God in Spirit and Truth Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, “God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.” What is the meaning of ‘worshipping God in spirit and truth?’ To worship in ‘spirit’ means to worship in the Holy Spirit, and to worship in ‘truth’ means to worship in a way that is revealed by Christ. Therefore, in order to worship God ‘in spirit and truth,’ a person must first have the…

The Transfiguration of the Lord   There are three important elements in the Transfiguration of Jesus that is pertinent to the season of Lent. First, the conversation that Jesus had with Moses and Elijah. Second, the change in appearance of Jesus, and third, the voice from the cloud that came over them. According to St. Luke in today’s Gospel, Moses and Elijah conversed with Jesus about the exodus which he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. The Exodus in the…

The Three Temptations We are all beset with temptations on a daily basis, and sometimes it becomes a real struggle to choose between sin and doing what is pleasing to God. However, today’s Gospel shows us that we need not face temptation alone, and that it is possible to overcome temptation. The temptations of Jesus in the desert signify that Jesus himself had to undergo what all of mankind had to undergo since the fall of Adam and Eve. And…

Lent is Fast Approaching The Lenten season has a double character. It prepares both catechumens and the baptized faithful to celebrate the Paschal Mystery. The catechumens are prepared for their reception of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. On the other hand, the baptized faithful are prepared through penance and prayer for the Easter celebration. This year, the Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday (March 6, 2019) and ends on Holy Thursday (April 18, 2019). In addition…

Love your Enemies Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours…

Four Blessings and Four Woes And raising his eyes toward his disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap…