Fourth Sunday of Advent: C: December 22, 2024

 BLESSED ARE YOU AMONG WOMEN

First Reading: Micah 5: 2 to 5

Second Reading: Hebrews 10: 5 to 10

Gospel Reading: Luke 1: 39 to 45

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Micah. Micah speaks about a great ruler who will come from an insignificant place (Bethlehem) in Israel. He will gather together the scattered people and unite the people once more. He will bring peace and security for the chosen people. The prophecy of Micah finds its fulfilment in the coming of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, born in Bethlehem for the whole world. 

   *Second reading is from the letter to Hebrews. The purpose of Jesus' coming is explained to us. Jesus came not to offer sacrifices of the old law but to do the will of God. The sacrifices offered according to the Mosaic law were unable to purify the people from their sins. But Jesus Christ through His obedience to the will of God and through His self-sacrifice on the cross, is able to bring about reconciliation between God and humankind. 

The meeting of two holy women: Elizabeth and Blessed Virgin Mary                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. A detailed description regarding the meeting  of Blessed  Mother Mary and her cousin Elizabeth is given. These two saintly women experience the blessings of a loving and living God in their lives. Mary is eager to share her great joy with her cousin. So Mary travels to the hill country where Elizabeth lives. When greeted by Mary, Elizabeth recognizes the great privilege God has bestowed on Mary. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth praises Mary and the uniqueness of the Child in her womb. Elizabeth joyously praises and thanks the Almighty for the great faith Mary had when she totally surrendered to the will of God and accepted God's word in her womb. It is through Mary that God fulfils the promises foretold by Prophet Micah. The promises of God takes human form in her womb in the person of Jesus. In Mary we see someone who allows  the promise of God to shape her whole life - not in a passive way but positively by her unconditional 'Yes' to God. One great lesson Mary teaches us today is the need to care for the aged. Mary goes to meet Elizabeth and stays with her for three months and takes care of her needs during her pregnancy in her old age. During this season of Advent, we need to cultivate the virtue of kindness. God was so kind to us in sending us His Son Jesus Christ, Mary was kind to Elizabeth by visiting her and serving her when she needed her most. So also our advent preparations will be complete only when we truly serve those in need. Mary knew she is the Mother of God but this did not stop her from being at the service of Elizabeth. We have to learn to forget our wealth, qualifications and positions and try to stoop low to help the numerous people in need of service. Then we will be truly preparing for the coming of the Lord at Christmas. In this final week of Advent, when we are eagerly preparing for Christmas, Elizabeth and Blessed Mother Mary give us some deep insights  as to how we can prepare for the great event: 1. By believing in the promises of God. 2. By recognizing what God has done in our lives and in the lives of others. 3. By sharing our joy with others. 4. By serving the needy. In this context St. Ambrose says: "Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit after conceiving John, while Mary is filled with the Holy Spirit before conceiving the Lord." May the Lord Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary bless you  during these days of Advent and Christmas season by giving you the grace to be at the service of people in need, especially the elderly and the sick. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, December 22, 2024". Thanks.) 

Third Sunday of Advent: C: December 15, 2024

 HE WHO IS MIGHTIER THAN I IS COMING

First Reading: Zephaniah 3: 14-18

Second Reading: Philippians 4: 4-7

Gospel Reading: Luke 3: 10-18

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Zephaniah. Zephaniah gives a message of hope for the people of Israel. He foretells the days of great rejoicing and gladness because the salvation of Israel is at hand. He assures them that the Lord God Himself stands in their midst as the King and protector of His people. The Lord God removes the judgement against His chosen people and He turns away their enemies.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians. Paul urges the Christian community there and all of us to rejoice in the Lord to be free from all anxieties and to live in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving. The Apostle wishes that the peace of God will be always in our hearts and minds. 

John the Baptist witnesses to Jesus Christ                                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. People from various walks of life ask John the Baptist what they are expected to do for the coming of the Messiah: The anointed one.  John gives some down-to-earth advice for their consideration and action. He asks them to share their surplus goods and clothes with the hungry and the naked. He advises the tax-collectors not to rob the people but collect only what they are entitled to and nothing more. He instructs the soldiers not to intimidate the common folk and not to use violence. John appreciates and acknowledges the greatness of Jesus. So he tells his disciples: "He who is mightier than I is coming." Hence, John gives witness to Jesus the anointed one. He humbly accepts that he is not the anointed one (The Messiah). John was a contemporary of Jesus. In fact, he was a cousin of Jesus. He was the son of Zachariah and Elizabeth the cousin of Mary the mother of Jesus. John's birth  preceded the birth of Jesus. Yet, John humbly accepts the pre-eminence of Jesus. He always puts Jesus first more than his own self. This is evident from his response: "I must decrease and He must increase", when told that Jesus is baptizing at Jordan and His followers are increasing. John the Baptist is our role model for our Advent preparations. Like John, we are called to humbly accept our limitations and littleness. That we are not the Christ, not one of the great prophets, not one of the great preachers or miracle workers. In all humility, we have to accept that we are simple, humble followers of the Lord and like John we too are called to witness to the Lord in our own little ways. In this context, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "The season of Advent is like spring-time in nature, when everything is renewed and so is fresh and healthy. Advent is also meant to do this for us - to refresh us and to make us healthy to be able to receive Christ in whatever form He may come to us." And Antony Padovano says: "No one can claim to be a follower of Christ and remain entirely unlike the Master whom he professes to love." May the Lord Jesus Bless you abundantly during this holy season of Advent and inspire you to prepare for His coming as John the Baptist did. Amen.

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph December 15, 2024". Thanks.) 

Second Sunday of Advent: C: December 8, 2024

 PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD

First Reading: Baruch 5: 1 to 9

Second Reading: Philippians 1: 4 to 6 and 8 to 11

Gospel Reading: Luke 3: 1 to 6

Advent: Adventus in Latin means arrival or coming. Advent indicates the threefold coming of the Lord Jesus: The past, the present and the future. 1. The past: We remember the Lord's humble first coming which took place more than 2000 years ago at Bethlehem. 2. The present: We experience His present and continual coming through the Word of God and through the Sacraments. 3. The future: We look forward to the final coming of the Lord in His glory at the end of times.

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Baruch. Baruch gives a message of hope and gladness for the people of Israel who are under the slavery of Babylon. He assures them that they will return to Jerusalem in glory. Every mountain and hill will be leveled and the valleys will be filled up for their return to the promised land. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul instructs the Christian community there that God has created us for something good and very special. He assures them that God's work in us will be completed. He urges them and us to abound in love and lead a pure and blameless life for the second coming of the Lord. He encourages them and us that they/we should not worry about the future because God will be with them/us.

The call to repentance by John the Baptist                                                     Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. John the Baptist's invitation  to prepare the way of the Lord is narrated in detail. John urges us to prepare the way of the Lord by giving our lives a new orientation - a complete turnabout. The repentance that is asked of us is not merely a turning away from sin but rather a change of heart. Hence, to repent would mean that we recognize our brokenness and our need for redemption by turning to the love of God. Humankind in general is broken, fragmented, damaged and wounded by sin. Hence, we need to recognize this situation to be saved. John proclaims that Jesus is the one who fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, that all humankind will see the salvation of God. In order to prepare for His coming, John invites everyone to prepare the way of the Lord by making His paths straight: All that prevents us from His smooth coming have to be done away with - valleys shall be filled, mountains and hills shall be leveled and crooked ways have to be made straight. In this context Pope Benedict XVI says: "The voice of the great Prophet  asks us to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord in the deserts of today, internal and external deserts, thirsting for the water of life which is Christ." Edward Heys adds: "Advent is the perfect time to clean and prepare the way."  And D. Bonhoeffer, a great theologian, says: "Our whole life is Advent. A time of waiting for the ultimate."

Finally, Advent prayer: "Jesus truly is the only one worthy of our focus as we slowdown the maddening rush around our lives, reflecting on the gift of hope, joy and peace that He continually offers us. For He is the one who brings true meaning to Christmas. May He fill afresh with His hope this Advent season, as we press in close to His presence, seeking to know Him more."

May the call of John the Baptist echo in your hearts during this holy season of Advent and help you to prepare the way of the Lord. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday  Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, December 8, 2024." Thanks.)

First Sunday of Advent: C: December 1, 2024

       THE COMING OF LORD JESUS

First Reading: Jeremiah 33: 14 to 16

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3: 12 to 4: 2

Gospel Reading: Luke 21: 25 to 28 and 34 to 36

*The season of Advent has two-fold characteristics. First of all, it is a preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ which took place more than 2000 years ago. Secondly, it reminds us of His second coming in glory at the end of times. 

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah speaks about a future Messiah who will fulfill the promises of the Lord God that He made with the people of Israel. He assures the chosen people  and all of us that the Messiah when He comes will bring justice and righteousness. The prophecy of Jeremiah finds its fulfilment with the birth of Jesus in the lineage of King David.

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. Paul explains to us about the qualities we should possess as we wait for the coming of the Lord. He says that we should be blameless before God the Father. He urges everyone to have love for one another so that we will be prepared for the second coming of the Lord.  

Your redemption is near                        Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The prophecy concerning the end of the world is mentioned in detail. It warns us to be prepared for the final day of reckoning. There will be numerous dreadful portents and signs in the universe and cosmic disturbances will take place. After all that, the second coming of the Lord will take place. Jesus will come in glory and power. We should not be found wanting on that day because that day will come without any warning. Hence, we are urged to watch and pray and be ready to meet the Lord whenever He comes. The coming of the Lord will also signify the coming of the Kingdom of God. Jesus the Messiah will rule all nations and kingdoms in the name of God. Thus the season of Advent is a time of preparation and it gives us an opportunity to look at our past life and also to look at the future with hope and joyful expectation. It is a time to deepen our relationship with God and His well-beloved Son Jesus. In this context, Biblical resources say: "Advent is a clarion call to renew once more our engagements with Good News, in a conscious and personal fashion." Pope Benedict XVI in one of his reflections says: "Advent is the spiritual season of hope par excellence and in this season the whole Church is called to be hope for itself and for the world." Edward Heys wishes: "May this Advent season be a time of bringing hope,  transformation and fulfilment into the Advent of our lives."

Possible ways of preparing for Advent:  1. Prayer: Set aside a few minutes each day to pray and reflect over the events of the first coming of Jesus in Bethlehem. Recapture those events from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. 2. Advent wreath: Prepare a wreath and bless it. Read reflections while gathered around the wreath each night. 3. Make an effort to reach out to people who are in difficulties financially or due to other reasons. Let the coming of Jesus bring them hope , joy and peace. 

May the Lord Jesus bless you abundantly during this season of Advent and give you hope and joyful expectation for His coming at this Christmas. Amen.

(Kindly note : Sunday  Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/ Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph December1, 2024)

Thirty-fourth Sunday of the year: B: The Feast of Christ the King: November 24,2024

 CHRIST THE KING (OF THE UNIVERSE)

First Reading: Daniel 7: 13-14

Second Reading: Revelations 1: 5-8

Gospel: John 18: 33-37

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Daniel. Daniel describes his vision regarding the 'Son of Man' (Christ) being presented to the Ancient of times (The Lord God). The Lord God examines and evaluates  Him and approves Him. He is given dominion, all glory and kingship. All peoples and nations are under His everlasting power. The 'Son of Man' is a messianic figure who is given authority by the Lord God. This title is one of the most common ones used for Jesus Christ. Jesus refers to this passage from Prophet Daniel while on trial and declares Himself the Messiah and the Son of Man. 

   *Second reading is from the book of Revelation. The Faithfulness of Christ who is the ruler of the whole world and kingdoms is described. By His shedding of blood, Christ has freed us from sin and He has made us part of His kingdom. Christ is the Alpha and the Omega: The beginning and the end of everything. The title 'the Alpha the Omega' is shared by 'The Father and the Son' which implies the unity and the oneness of the Father and the Son. 

The kingship of Jesus                                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Pilate questions Jesus about His kingdom. Jesus answers that His kingdom is not of this world. But He adds: "I  came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." Hence, the hallmark of Jesus' kingship is testifying to the truth. In this context, Pope Benedict XVI says: "Jesus' whole existence reveals that God is love. This is therefore the truth of which He gave full testimony with the sacrifice of His life on Calvary. The cross is the 'throne' from which He manifested the sublime royalty of God-Love." Hence, Jesus' kingship does not end with His death on the cross: On the contrary, His kingdom continues forever in eternal glory and splendor as He testified that His kingdom does not belong to this world. May we have the courage and the perseverance to remain true to our King and Lord. As His followers and subjects, we need to give witness to His rule by belonging to the side of truth in all situations in life and faithfully continue to listen to the voice of Christ the King of the universe. James Gilooley notes the following inscription beneath the picture of Christ: "Jesus also known as Christ wanted on charges of sedition, criminal anarchy, vagrancy and conspiring to overthrow the established government. Dressed poorly, uses carpentry as a cover, has visionary  ideas. Associates with common working people, unemployed and winos. Has variety of aliases: Prince of peace, Son of man, Light of the world etc. Full bearded and scars on hands and feet, the result of injuries inflicted by angry mob led by respectable citizens and local authorities." Let us be reminded that Jesus the King will come in His glory as mentioned in Matthew chapter 25 on judgment day. The King (Jesus) will separate the good from the evil. Those who lived a life adhering to values of truth, justice and love will receive eternal happiness and those who rejected those values will receive eternal punishment. Praise to Jesus Christ the King of the Universe. May the Lord Jesus, the King of the Universe who came into the world to witness to the truth, bless you and lead you to all truth. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. Please search "Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph November 24,2024" Thanks.)

Thirty-third Sunday of the Year: B: November 17, 2024

 THE END OF TIMES: THE BEGINNING OF A NEW WORLD ORDER!

First Reading: Daniel 12: 1 to 3

Second: Hebrews 10: 11 to 14 and 18

Gospel Reading: Mark 13: 24 to 32 

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Daniel. A detailed description of the various revelations of Daniel regarding the end of times - the end of the world - is given. Those signs foretell us about the great upheavals and terrible disasters which will happen at the end. The Prophet assures us that these signs point to a new and everlasting existence. Thus the visions of Prophet Daniel point to a new world order, a belief in the resurrection of the dead and the life thereafter.

   *Second reading is from the letter to Hebrews. The priests of the Old Testament offered sacrifices which could not take away sins. On the other hand, the supreme sacrifice offered by Christ is far superior to all other sacrifices performed previously. Because Christ through a single sacrifice, has taken away all our sins.

The final days to come                                                                               Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. Some signs and indications regarding the end of the present world are narrated. Jesus speaks of a  time of destruction, terror, troubles and much persecutions of every type: People will be betrayed and handed over to authorities. There will be wars, earthquakes and famines. There will be numerous cosmic upheavals too. The sun, the moon and the stars will lose their normal courses and appearances. After these series of terrible destructions and disasters, finally there will be good news. Jesus looks beyond the time of distress to a  final time when the Son of Man (Christ) will gather the elect. He sees beyond the sufferings and persecutions to a  future time of peace with God. To explain His future vision, Jesus uses the imagery of a fig tree which sheds its leaves annually. At that time, its sharp and spiky twigs make it look dead until life comes in autumn. Jesus uses this imagery to explain the new life that will be manifested when He comes in His glory. When the fig tree starts to sprout its leaves, we know that something good and exciting is going to take place. We need to have deep faith and immense courage to face those times of distress, sufferings and pain and to look forward to a new life in the Lord. These are the signs mentioned by the Lord to indicate the end of the world as given in St. Matthew's Gospel: 

1. Many false prophets will come: Matthew 24: 5. 

 2. Wars: Matthew 24:7. 

3. Famines: Matthew 24:7. 

4. Earthquakes: Matthew 24:7 

5. Tribulations: Matthew 24: 8 to 9.  

6. Gospel being preached throughout the world: Matthew 24:14.  

May the Lord Jesus bless you and strengthen you in times of pain, destruction and sufferings and lead you to eternal happiness and peace with the Lord. Amen.

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Thirty-second Sunday of the Year: B: November 10, 2024

                   THE JOY OF GIVING

First Reading: 1 Kings 17: 10 to 16

Second Reading: Hebrews 9: 24 to 28

Gospel Reading: Mark 12: 38 to 44

   *First reading is from the first book of Kings. The generosity of a poor widow from Zarephath is narrated. During the stressful famine in the land of Israel, she generously provides food to Prophet Elijah from the little food she has. She has very little food at her disposal for her son and herself. Yet at the request of Elijah, she cooks what little she has and offers it to him. In doing so, she learns a great lesson, namely, that it is in giving that we receive. The Lord God rewards her generosity and she and her household have food till the famine gets over. 

   *Second reading is from the letter to Hebrews. Jesus the High Priest offers His own blood to save humankind. A perfect distinction between the sacrifices offered by the high priests of the Old Testament and the non-repeatable and perfect self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ is explained. Christ our High Priest offered Himself in sacrifice once and for all and His sacrifice is of infinite value. Moreover, He will appear again to save those who are waiting for Him. Hence, Jesus has taken our sins upon Himself and He opened for us the door of salvation. 

The generosity of a poor widow                                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. Jesus gives us a very specific example of generosity in action. Jesus and His disciples are at the Jerusalem temple. He is sitting near the temple treasury and watching many rich people putting large sums of money into the temple treasury. He observes a poor widow putting two copper coins - of little value - into the treasury. Seeing this, Jesus praises the poor widow and says: "She has put in everything she had, her whole living." This is a great lesson for all of us that we should be generous in all situations. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said: "Give until it hurts, until you feel the pain." And Jesus Himself said in Luke 6:38: "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, running over will be put into your lap." Hence, today's first reading from the first book of Kings and the Gospel passage give us powerful messages regarding the need to be generous  to God and to our fellow humans. Generosity does not go unrewarded when it is done out of love and concern. The widow of Zarephath and the poor widow at the Jerusalem temple are great role models of generosity. Both these women could have found many reasons to excuse themselves from sharing the little they had, excuses like: "We don't have anything to spare" or "Let others give who can afford it" and so on. But they refused to resort to these excuses and risked stepping out in faith. As a result, what they actually accomplished was out of all proportion to what it actually cost them. Today Jesus invites everyone of us to be generous givers. In this context Albert Einstein once said: "The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving." And Sir Winston Churchill said: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Also St. Paul in his letter to Corinthians says: "God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9: 7). May the Lord Jesus who emptied Himself and generously gave His life for the salvation of humankind bless you and inspire you to be generous in all situations of life. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph" on Google search. Thanks.)