(Opening comment) We often say, time is flying by or time is dragging. Is it possible time can fly or drag us? Is it right to say that our perception on time somehow determines who we are by our date of birth or by our age? Are we giving certain power to time to control us? But there are other times. At this moment, we leave ordinary time to enter a special liturgical time so that through it we may enter into a time set apart, a time outside of time, a time beyond time. Let us leave our ordinary time by taking off the watches we are wearing now and put them inside the pocket. (Wait for the people doing that)
God promises in the first reading today, since someone has turned away from all the sins that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. In order to enter into God’s time, leaving human time, let us acknowledge our sinfulness like tax collectors and prostitutes so that we can enter the kingdom of God.
(Homily) The cultural difference between Asia and Western countries often gets me in trouble. When I was in England, the host at my homestay looked quite old to me although he probably was in his sixties at most. One day, I appreciated his kindness and thoughtfulness by calling him “old man.” He seemed shocked; I didn’t understand why. Being old means being mature and wise to me. When I went to Madagascar, I called a monsignor who traveled together “grandpa Joe.” It took a while for him to understand what I meant.