We live in a world of extremes:

• While there are very generous people, there are also very greedy people
• While there are happy people, there are also angry people
• While there are hopeful people, there are also pessimistic people

If you look at these lives, one realizes that whether it is virtue or vice, it all starts small. The generous people just constantly gave and gave, and it just became bigger and bigger. The greedy people just took and took, and it just became bigger and bigger. Same with the happiest people, they just forgave and forgave, moved on, and let go. The angry people just filled their hearts with one anger after the other and became miserable. Virtue or vice, it all starts small.

In the Gospel today, we are told how to nurture the seeds of holiness in our lives:

• First, the need to study and understand our faith. Why do we do this? Why do we do that? Our faith is more than 20 centuries old and is so rich in wisdom and reflection. On the other hand, the best indicator that our faith is compromised is when we have so many superstitious practices, giving the alibi, “It won’t hurt.”
• Second, the need to remain strong in persecution. Stand up for what is right and speak the truth, and persecution follows. Yet Jesus promised us that He will always be with us and give us the grace to see us through.
• Third, the need to let go. We came into this world with nothing, and we are leaving this world with nothing. Hence, let not worldly care cause us anxiety because we are eventually leaving all behind. Further, let us not put too much emphasis on material things, as well, because this is not the source of true joy in this life. This can be done through sharing and giving.

In this Mass, we pray that we may be able to live a Fruitful life. We also remember the saying of John Bunyan: “If my life is fruitless, it doesn’t matter who praises me. If my life is fruitful, it doesn’t matter who criticizes me.” May we live out our faith, be strong in persecution, and continue to share and give.