Thursday, August 8, 2013

Singapore National Day 2012

Isaiah 63:7-9 / Colossians 3:12-17 / Luke 12:22-31

The theme for this year's National Day is "Many stories, One Singapore". Probably it means that though we are many individuals, we make up one particular nation called "Singapore".

While we are many individuals (5 million) and each of us has our own stories, yet our stories find a common ground in Singapore.

Yes, we have a uniquely Singaporean story or a uniquely Singaporean characteristic.

For eg, if a food stall has a long queue, the food must be good.

Foreign airport custom officers will know whether a person is a Singaporean, because the luggage will contain chilli and Maggie Mee.

And talking about airport, our Changi Airport is the best place to study.

And since best places are usually short of seats, this is where Singaporeans have discovered the power of a packet of tissue paper - can "chope" (reserve) seats!

Yes, there are many more other stories that make up the nation that we call Singapore.

And as we the Church in Singapore celebrate our nation's National Day, we too, are called to add a Catholic story into the Singapore story.

And taking a direction from the 2nd reading, then that story is going to be based on sincerity and compassion, kindness and humility, gentleness and patience and forgiveness.

This must be our story for our country. This must also be who we are as we join our country  in the "Majulah Singapura".