Unlike any other form of leadership in the world, a Christian leader is expected to not just do well in the ministry and produce results, such as conversion rates and increased membership, but he is expected to be a role model in the way he lives his life, and conducts his relationship with God and the community. The moral conduct of a religious leader is paramount in all that he does. Even if he were the most eloquent preacher, teacher, administrator, organizer, if his moral life is put in question, then everything collapses. All that he says or teaches would immediately be discredited. No one would believe in him anymore. Today the Lord is inviting us to exercise our leadership in such a way that people will take our word as God’s word. Our word and preaching can only change people provided they know that our hearts are sincere and we are truly trying to live the Gospel life.

Today, we are called to make a radical choice for God.  There is no question of compromise. In the light of what God had done for them, Joshua said to all the people: "If you will not serve the Lord, choose today whom you wish to serve, whether the gods that your ancestors served beyond the river or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are now living. As for me and my House, we will serve the Lord."   Jesus is asking us the same question He asked His apostles, "What about you, do you want to go away too?"

Today's Gospel passage reminds us that we have "only one master" and "one Teacher, the Christ". We are but servants of the Lord, representatives who are called to walk in humility and lead others to Him.

In many families, there are uneasy tensions between the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law, leading to resentment, competition and anger. Of course, we have many families where the daughter-in-law and the mother-in-law are great friends and confidante, regarding each other as mother and daughter. Whilst love and relationship take two hands to clap, the mother-in-law, being the elder, must take the initiative to make her daughter-in-law comfortable, loved, secure and accepted. When we are loving, caring and respectful of others, we too will be loved and accepted.  We might not agree with them but we need to accept that we are different. But through our love and patience, they will one day come to meet the loving and living God in and through us.

Today's readings speak of commitments that are made and subsequently broken, resulting in serious consequences. In order to make our vows count, we need to deliberate and consider seriously, and make them freely.

Good leaders with integrity and wisdom, and most of all, with a genuine heart to serve the community are rare. Whether it is religious, political or corporate leadership, there is a dearth of good leaders with strong moral principles and selfless service. Political and religious office demands much sacrifices, not just in terms of privacy but often financially as well, especially if they conduct themselves with integrity. The ultimate reward of service is not about material payment for the work we do. It is not about our position and privileges of the office. The joy of a Christian who gives himself in service or in leadership is the joy of serving God and our fellowmen without conditions, and selflessly. When a service is given purely out of love, it is accepted with gratitude.

Since the beginning of time and of our Lord, the Church has been warned that the journey before her is one of persecution and opposition. There is this constant battle between truth and falsehood, love and selfishness. Today, because of relativism, falsehood and selfishness are often masqueraded as truth and love. What Satan wants is to destroy us all, first by leading us to hopelessness, meaninglessness, and utter selfishness so that we have no more purpose to live in this life as there is neither hope in this world or in the next. However, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary is a celebration of ultimate victory over evil, sin and death. In Mary, we see the hope given to us by Christ fulfilled in one of us. Notwithstanding the adversities and sufferings of this life, we are certain that after our exile on this world, we will share eternal life with our Lord and our Blessed Mother in heaven. We are confident of our final destiny. God will work in us, and manifest His mercy provided we fear Him, walk in His ways and be humble like Mary.

It is important for us not to reduce faith into a rationalistic faith. It is our personal relationship with God in prayer, and a belonging to a faith community, that makes the real difference.

When we have discussions on various issues, we need to go back to the very beginning - the foundations - to consider God's plan. We also need to consider our history, and build on the foundations that have been laid already. In this way, we know we are on sure ground.

People often lose sight of the wonders of God at work in their lives.  We are constrained by our intellectual capacity to dream beyond what we can do. we literally walk by sight, by what we can see within human reasoning and not by faith.  Today's scripture readings invite us to go beyond our human limitations to trust in the amazing works of God in our lives, and allow Him to act in and through us. But God's power can only work effectively for those who are available to Him. This call to holiness is also a constant call not just to Israel but also to us as well.  It does not mean that God cannot work in people who are sinful, but our sins can impede the grace of God from flowing out of us.  Our lack of devotion to God will delimit our faith in Him and in His grace and mercy.