William Cardinal Goh The Shepherd's Voice

St. Peter reminds us that whatever we do, it should be done for the glory of God and the good of others. In a world filled with difficult and ambiguous choices, this becomes a powerful guide for discernment: Does this action glorify God?

True discipleship is not about serving ourselves but offering our gifts, sacrifices, and even our sufferings for the greater glory of God. When our lives bear fruit through prayer, faith, and selfless service, God is glorified through us.

Reflection Question: How do I make decisions? Do I seek what is most beneficial for me or what will bring the greater glory of God?

Like Bartimaeus, we are called not only to recognise Jesus, but to rise and follow Him along the road of discipleship. A Christian life cannot remain superficial, routine, or dependent only on moments of consolation. It must be intentionally nurtured through prayer, the Word of God, discipline, and a living relationship with the Lord. Otherwise, even after many years in the Church, we may still remain spiritually immature or blind.

The challenge for every Christian, especially those active in ministry, is this: do we merely speak about Jesus, or are we truly walking with Him? When we allow Christ to transform our hearts, our lives begin to radiate mercy, forgiveness, compassion, integrity, and hope; becoming a genuine light to the world.

Reflection Question: How can I deepen my relationship with Jesus so that I can follow Him more faithfully and reflect His light to others?

To follow Christ is not simply to serve where we feel appreciated, understood, or affirmed; it is to remain faithful even when the mission becomes difficult. Like St. Paul, we may be tempted to withdraw when the burden feels too heavy or when our efforts seem unnoticed. Yet Jesus does not promise an easy road; He promises His presence: “I am with you.”

The strength to persevere does not come from our own determination, but from a deep prayer life and an intimate love for Christ. When we stay close to Him, suffering is no longer meaningless. It becomes part of the way God purifies our love, strengthens our faith, and brings life to others. Christian joy is not the absence of pain, but the quiet certainty that no suffering offered with Christ is ever in vain.

Reflection Question: What do I do when the mission God has entrusted to me becomes difficult or discouraging? What is the Lord saying to me?

The Ascension of the Lord is not God leaving his people behind; it inaugurates Christ’s new, powerful presence among his disciples throughout history. Enthroned at the right hand of the Father and active through the Holy Spirit’s power. In him, Heaven’s reality is already begun in us: through communion with Christ, the Spirit fills us with hope and transforms daily life, even through suffering.

The Ascension also points beyond the present to the full blessed community, heaven is the definitive communion of those perfectly incorporated into Christ.

Reflection Question: How is the Lord’s presence changing the way I bring hope and joy into the lives of those around me?

True proclamation of the Gospel is not merely about explaining the faith, but witnessing with conviction through the power of the Holy Spirit. Intellectual arguments alone cannot convert hearts; only the Holy Spirit can move the will to say “yes” to God. We are reminded that authentic witnesses are revealed especially in suffering.
Like Paul and Silas in prison, we are called to praise God even in trials, trusting that the Lord will vindicate those who remain faithful. When we stop relying on ourselves and surrender to God’s will, our lives become powerful testimonies that can lead others to conversion.

Reflection Question: How do I face suffering and discouragement? Do I continue praising and trusting God, or do I allow fear and despair to silence my witnessing?