Twenty-third Sunday of the Year: C: September 7, 2025

               THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

Introduction: The challenges of becoming a disciple of Jesus are amply explained in today's Gospel. Discipleship is a serious commitment that requires much thought and careful deliberation. It is a venture that demands total dedication. Everything else become secondary if Jesus is to be the Lord of our life. When Jesus says that we must hate our family members, He is using a semitic expression meaning that we must give the first preference to Him and to nothing else. 

First Reading: Wisdom 9: 13 to 18

Second Reading: Philemon 9 to 10 and 12 to 17

Gospel Reading: Luke 14: 25 to 33

   *First reading is from the book of Wisdom. Faced with the great mysteries of the universe, we are ignorant of the meaning, history and the mind of the Lord God. But the Lord God has bestowed us with the gift of wisdom. The Lord God sends His Holy Spirit so that we may always walk in the right path so as to conduct our affairs prudently.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philemon. Philemon was a Colossian brought to faith in Jesus by Paul. Paul advises Philemon concerning his slave Onesimus who had run away and somehow reached Paul who was in prison. Listening to Paul, Onesimus becomes a believer in the Lord Jesus. Paul urges Philemon to take back Onesimus not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. 

Renunciation: An important requirement for discipleship                     Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Jesus explains the cost of becoming a disciple to His followers. These instructions are given in the context of the fact that many wanted to become His disciples. Jesus tells them the following: 1. They should evaluate and count the cost of being His disciples. 2. Jesus demands that he/she should hate one's family and even one's own very self. 3. A disciple of Jesus has to take up his/her crosses daily and follow Him. Hence, Jesus makes it clear that one must be ready to sacrifice one's dearest things in life: Family ties and one's own very life. In certain situations in life, a disciple may have to choose between Jesus and what is very dear to him/her. Jesus elaborates this message of renunciation through two parables. 1. One who intends to build a tower needs to sit down and estimate the cost of completing it. Later if he/she is unable to finish the work, he/she will become a laughing stock for others. 2. A king who goes to war against another king has to first sit down and evaluate the possibility of winning the war with his current resources. It not, he looks for terms of peace to settle the conflict. Jesus makes it very clear that discipleship has to be taken seriously. It could mean that a disciple has to undergo many sufferings, persecutions and even death. The history of the Church constantly reminds us that discipleship had cost much suffering and bloodshed throughout the centuries. As in any sphere of life, one has to weigh the pros and cons before taking a final decision. Hence, one must calculate the cost before venturing to become a disciple of Jesus. Accepting the crosses gives us immense graces that will lead us to eternal life. Blessed Mother Mary is the perfect example of true discipleship. In this context, Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "The first call which every Christian experiences is the call to abandon the attachment to this world." D. M. Bickerstaff says: "The key (to discipleship) is not to ignore life's demands but simply to integrate them to your life of faith. That is why Jesus teaches that we are to seek the kingdom first and then all else will be provided." Again, Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "To deny oneself is to be aware only of Christ and no more self." 

Conclusion: We have to count the cost before we commit ourselves to accompany Jesus on His journey to Jerusalem, where He will die and rise. If we are unwilling to give up our sinful inclinations, or change a lifestyle opposed to the Gospel values, or do not want to make some sacrifices to lend a helping hand to our neighbour, we can't call ourselves true disciples of Jesus. Whatever may be our losses in this life due to our commitment to the Lord, we can be confident that it is nothing compared to the heavenly glory that we will experience at the resurrection.

May the Lord Jesus, who gave His life for our salvation, bless you and grant you the grace to follow Him with total commitment. 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, September 7, 2025." Thanks.)

Twenty-second Sunday of the Year: C: August 31, 2025

 HUMILITY: THE MOTHER OF ALL VIRTUES

Introduction: Humility is a mark of all truly great people. Sirach states: "Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favour with God."(Sirach 3:18)  Humility is a quality Jesus Himself has. He says: "Learn of me, for I am gentle and humble of heart." (Mt. 11:29) Unfortunately the virtue of humility has fallen on hard times in today's world. Books, articles, videos and social media abound promoting aggressive behaviour, assertive training and affirmative action. Humility is not what we call the 'in-thing' today. And yet, humility remains at the root of our Christian life. 

First Reading: Sirach 3: 17 to 20 and 28 to 29

Second Reading: Hebrews 12: 18 to 19 and 22 to 24

Gospel Reading: Luke 14: 1 and 7 to 14

   *First reading is from the book of Sirach. A description about the great virtue of humility is given. It tells us that a humble person is always open to the promptings of the Lord God. He/she never rejects wisdom, no matter where it comes from. Humility is the real test of true greatness. The greater a person is, the more humble he/she should be. The message is: Be humble and you will find favour with the Lord God. Sirach advises us to carry out day to day business- in the office, family and in every situation in life- gently. That is, taking into account the weak, the poor and the insignificant. We will be loved the better for it. 

   *Second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. A comparison between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion is given. It elaborates that, Sinai is a place where the old Covenant was made whereas, Zion stands for the heavenly city where many angels, saints and Jesus Himself is present.

Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.                                                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. On a particular occasion, Jesus and His disciples are invited to a Pharisee's house for dinner. Many prominent persons from the town are invited too. Most them are eager to take the best available seats because each of them considers himself to be more important than all the others. Observing this, Jesus gives a lesson on humility to His disciples. He instructs them as follows: When you are invited to a function, do not occupy places of honour. Because, in case a person more worthy than you is invited, the host may come and request you to give the honourable place to that person. Consequently, you will be put in an embarrassing and humiliating situation. However, if you are occupying a less honourable place and the host requests you to occupy a more honourable place, you will be honoured in the presence of everyone there. Hence, the virtue of humility is of great importance in the life of a follower of the Lord. It ranks right up there with the great reversal of values in the Gospels (as told by Jesus): To lose one's life is to find it; the last shall be the first; the humble shall be exalted. In this context St. Augustine says: "Do you wish to raise yourself? Begin by humbling yourself. Are you dreaming of building an edifice that will tower to the skies? Begin by laying the foundation of humility." The great poet Rabindranath Tagore says: "We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility."  St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted and ardent." 

Conclusion: The humble people can look at both the heights and the depths of their personalities without becoming proud over the one, or discouraged by the other. Such are the truly great people. Their humility empowers them to take on difficult challenges, explore the unknown and attempt what is seemingly impossible because they are aware of their own inner resources and strength. Thus humility helps them to accept mistakes, admit limitations and smile at failures. 

May the Lord Jesus, who humbled Himself to become human and taught us that by humbling ourselves, we become truly great, bless you and give you the grace to be a sign of humility and graciousness in all situations in 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, August 31, 2025." Thanks.)

Twenty-first Sunday of the Year: C: August 24, 2025

  A QUESTION OF UNIVERSAL SALVATION

Introduction: Jesus warns the people of His time not to pin their hopes of salvation on the mere fact that they are members of the chosen people of God. He urges them to make their way in to heaven 'by the narrow gate.' They have to make strenuous effort to achieve this goal. Jesus offers the kingdom of God not just to the Jews but to all people from the four corners of the world. However, He makes it clear that only those who follow the path of Jesus will gain access to it. 

First Reading: Isaiah 66: 18 to 21

Second Reading: Hebrews 12: 5 to 7 and 11 to 13

Gospel Reading: Luke 13: 22 to 30

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about a time of universal salvation. He elaborates that the Lord God is going to gather all nations and language groups into one fold. The Lord God in His goodness, mercy and love wants to gather the dispersed people and bring reconciliation to everyone. Further, Isaiah assures us that people will come to Jerusalem from all nations and they will bring offerings to the Lord God. For priestly duties too, persons from every nation will be selected. 

Second reading is from the letter to Hebrews. It is a known fact that every father disciplines his son/daughter. If we are disciplined and chastised by God, it is a sure sign that God treats us as His own children. God trains us, His children, through many sufferings, so that we may grow to maturity and reach our goal. Hence discipline, training and perseverance are essential pre-requisites for the final glory that we will experience in future. 

Men will come from east and west                                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. One of the listeners asks Jesus regarding the number of people who will be eventually saved. He is obviously anxious to know about his own salvation and the salvation of others. In His reply: 1. Jesus exhorts everyone to enter through the narrow door. The door is open, but it is narrow. We have to struggle strenuously to enter through it. 2. The time is short. The door is open but soon it will be closed. None of us will live forever. The door is already being closed to today's opportunities. 3. There is no favouritism in the kingdom. People will enter from east and west, from north and south;  rich and poor, black, brown and white. 4. Some reversals and surprises will occur. The first may be last and the last may be first. The poor may step ahead of the rich; the simple may surpass the clever and the learned. Jesus then narrates the parable of a house-owner (God) who closes the door at night and many want to enter through that door. They give many reasons so that they can gain admittance: Eating and drinking with Him, living in His neighbourhood, etc. But the master of that house is not convinced and dismisses them from his presence. Further, Jesus adds that many people from east and west, north and south (universal salvation), will enter the kingdom of God. It is our personal choice whether to enter through the narrow door (challenging life) which leads to eternal life or to enter through the wide door (easy life) which leads to eternal damnation. Hence, through the parable, Jesus tells us that entering the kingdom of God is not restricted to just a few people but open to people from every nationality , ethnic groups and various communities. The path of Jesus (the narrow door) gives access to the kingdom of God. In this context James Baldwin says: "The concept of God should make us larger, freer and more loving." St. John Paul II (Pope) says: "Jesus came to bring integral salvation, one which embraces the whole person and all mankind."   

Conclusion: Jesus tells us that there are two roads that we can follow. The first is wide and easy to travel. That does not lead to eternal life. The second road is narrow and difficult. We will often have to go it alone. It is uphill most of the way. It is the way of service to God and neighbour. Few take this road. They are the chosen ones. Eventually they enter the promised land with joy and happiness. All of us are invited by the Lord to take the narrow path that leads to eternal life. 

May the Lord Jesus who wants everyone to enter through the narrow door and reach eternal life bless you and lead you to heavenly glory. 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, August 24, 2025." Thanks.)

Twentieth Sunday of the Year: C: August 17, 2025

 THE CHALLENGES OF CHRIST'S MISSION 

Introduction: 'I came to cast fire on earth.. I came, not to bring peace, but the sword.' Fire and sword - strange words to hear coming from Jesus. Traditional weapons of torture, which were widely used in the past to subdue enemies. But we don't expect Jesus to use them. When James and John wanted to bring down fire on the people of a Samaritan village, who did not want the presence of Jesus and His disciples, He flatly forbids them to do so. And when Peter drew his sword in the garden, Jesus tells him to put it away. Hence, these words are not to be taken literally but metaphorically. Yet they stand for something very real and strong in Jesus. Not only do the terms 'fire' and 'sword' stand for something in Himself, they also stand for something about His message. It causes disruption. It brings division. There is no greater disrupter of  'peace' than the one who preaches justice and truth. In the first reading today, we do have a great example in Prophet Jeremiah.

First Reading: Jeremiah 38: 4 to 6 and 8 to 10

Second Reading: Hebrews 12: 1 to 4

Gospel Reading: Luke 12: 49 to 53

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. A detailed account of the various persecutions and innumerable sufferings faced by Jeremiah is given. He is accused of treason by his bitter enemies. They try to destroy him. They put him in a well deep down covered in mud and water up to his knees. They torture him because he speaks against injustice, evil and many sins committed by the chosen people of God. However, the Lord God protects him from all harm and saves him. 

   *Second reading is from the letter to Hebrews. All who follow Christ are exhorted to persevere in their faith regardless of the cost. They are urged to resist all temptations to sin till the last drop of their blood. They are to model themselves on Christ, their saviour and Master. 

'I came to cast fire on earth.'                                                                         Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Jesus warns His disciples and all of us that following Him is a very challenging and difficult task. It brings division in the life of  believers. So they are asked to declare their loyalties and get their priorities right.  Discipleship brings division within the family and in the community. Jesus speaks about a divided house: Three against two and two against three. There will be divisions between father and son, mother and daughter and so on. When we stand for the values of Christ, family ties may get broken and relationships may get strained. Hence, a true follower of the Lord is a threat: A source of division, a light that shows up in the darkness. Such a person will face opposition from those who want to remain in darkness. Through today's Gospel, Jesus exhorts us that as Christians, we have to stand up against all evil: All that leads us away from genuine love of God and love of our neighbour. Jesus demands such prophetic commitments from everyone of us. In this context, Helder Camara says: "When I give bread to the poor, they call me a saint. But when I ask why the poor have no bread, they call me a communist." Blessed Oscar Romero, the martyred Arch Bishop of El Salvador says: "If they kill all your priests and Bishops, each one of you should become God's microphones, each of you should become a prophet; I do not believe in death without resurrection."

Conclusion: Jesus comes to set people's hearts on fire. He brings the warmth of the Father's love to those who live in the coldness of rejection and pain. He brings the sword of division wherever falsity reigns. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to come out of the shadows and live in the sunshine of His Kingdom. Let us have the courage and the perseverance to do it. 

May the Lord Jesus, who urges us to continue His prophetic mission in the world by standing against all forms of injustice and oppressions, bless you and give you the courage to be His true disciple. 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, August 17, 2025." Thanks.)

Nineteenth Sunday of the Year: C: August 10, 2025

 THE VIRTUES OF FAITHFULNESS AND READINESS

Introduction: Today in the liturgy of the Word, we are reminded that death often comes in sudden and unexpected ways. Jesus says to His disciples: "You must stand ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." According to William Barclay, Jesus' words can be interpreted in two ways. In the narrower sense, they refer to His Second Coming at the end of times. In the broader sense, they refer to the time of our death when Jesus will summon us from this life. Whatever be the case, we are warned to be always ready - to have our belts fastened and our lamps burning ready - like servants awaiting their master's return.  

First Reading: Wisdom 18: 6 to 9

Second Reading: Hebrews 11: 1 to 2 and 8 to 19

Gospel Reading: Luke 12: 32 to 48

   *First Reading is from the book of Wisdom. The people of Israel are reminded of how the Lord God rescued their ancestors from the slavery of Egypt. The message is one of hope. It promises that those who put their trust in the Lord God will not be disappointed. The chosen people of God are encouraged to persevere in their faith. An assurance is given that just as the Lord God rescued the people of Israel in the past, He will certainly save those who put their trust in Him. 

   *Second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. People of God are reminded about the great and unshakable faith of Abraham. Because of his deep faith in God, Abraham is rightly called the father of faith. The faith of Abraham leads him to set out without knowing where he was heading to. He totally trusts in the providence of God and looks forward to a city built by Him. Hence, in the life of Abraham, we have a marvelous and shinning example of living faith and total faithfulness to God. 

Many blessings to the faithful servant                                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. In the first part, Jesus tells His disciples about the heavenly treasure which cannot be stolen or destroyed. We are urged to look for that treasure in our lives. In the second part, Jesus narrates the parable of the faithful servant who is always ready and watchful whatever may be the time of his master's return. The master, unexpectedly and without warning, comes like a thief who comes at any time of the night. The element of surprise is his weapon. So also, the (second) coming of the Lord will happen at a time we least expect. We must be prepared to welcome Him  whenever He chooses to come. Such a faithful servant will be greatly rewarded by the master. The master in turn will put him in-charge of all His possessions. But if the servant is found wanting and unfaithful in his duties, he will receive a very severe punishment. Jesus thus exhorts all of us to take our life seriously and to do our duties faithfully at all times. In this context, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "It is more important to be faithful than to be successful." A well known educationalist Erich Fromm says: "Only the person who has faith in himself is able to be faithful to others." Joyce Meyer says: "Faithfulness is not doing something right once but doing something right over and over and over and over." 

Conclusion: Today's Gospel contains the warning that Jesus gives to His disciples and us. He urges us to be like good and faithful servants ever watchful for the return of their master. If we take this warning in the context of death, for most people it is just not possible to be ready for death in the sense of having all the loose ends neatly tied up and well prepared. Death frequently comes as the great intruder and disrupter of a person's life and plans. It comes when least expected. What matters at that moment is our faithfulness to the Word of God and our readiness to meet our Lord and creator.

May the Lord Jesus, who wants us to be faithful to His teachings, bless you with His abundant blessings and give the due reward for your faithful service to the Lord and to humanity. 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, August 10, 2025." Thanks.) 

Eighteenth Sunday of the Year: C: August 3, 2025

 WORLDLY  RICHES OR ETERNAL HAPPINESS?

Introduction: Wealth and other mundane possessions have a big hold over the human mind and heart. But when we are preoccupied with material possessions, we often forget the most important things in life. In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus challenges us to be more concerned about being rich in the sight of God. It contains a warning against all kinds of greed and undue attachment to the goods of this world.

First Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2 and 2: 21 to 23

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 1 to 5 and 9 to 11

Gospel Reading: Luke 12: 13 to 21

   *First reading is from the book of Ecclesiastes. It narrates the immense troubles we often undertake to acquire material wealth, even though it brings us little safety and security. Life makes no sense if it has no deeper goal than achieving worldly possessions and success. Because this world and all it holds are nothing but sheer folly and emptiness in the sight of the Lord God. Look at the toil and effort a person puts into acquiring wealth. To what purpose is the question?

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. Paul reminds the Christian community at Colossia and all of us that we are a new creation in Christ. We have to turn our attention from worldly things and seek the things of heaven. Because, having been raised up with Christ in baptism, we have to keep God as the center of our lives and avoid the things that prevent us from eternal joy. Therefore, we must seek the things that are above by leading a good life in this world. 

The parable of the rich fool                                                             Today's Gospel passage for our reflection is from St. Luke. Through the parable of the rich fool, Jesus illustrates the foolishness of those who go after worldly riches, forgetting God and fellow humans. This parable is told in the context of a dispute between two brothers. One of them asks Jesus to mediate and divide their inheritance between them. Jesus reminds him and all of us that life is much more than the abundance of a person's possessions. Then Jesus tells the parable of the rich man. He is immensely wealthy and yet he desires to store up his bumper crops for greater security and happiness. Jesus calls him a fool because he neglected the three important factors for a real and lasting happiness: 1. He forgets God - he does not even have a little thought that all his possessions are gifts from the Almighty. 2. He forgets eternal life - he is merely looking for temporal and peripheral happiness in this world. 3. He totally ignores his obligation to the poor and the needy in his surroundings. This parable seriously warns everyone of us to take stock of the things and possessions in our daily lives in the context of eternal life. In this context Mahatma Gandhi says: "Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." St. Augustine says: "Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure; where your treasure is, there is your heart; where your heart is, there is your happiness." An unknown writer says: "Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have."

Conclusion: The parable of Jesus is not directed only at the rich. It is directed at each of us, for anyone can be bitten by the bug of greed. A poor person can be just as greedy as a wealthy person, maybe even more greedy. It is not how much you possess that is dangerous but your attitude towards what you possess. Fr. Carrol makes this remark in the context of the parable of the rich fool. 'Even if the rich man in the parable did not suddenly die but continued to live, he was already dead. The moment he became greedy, he died to the only kind of life worth living.' Jesus challenges us to re-examine our priorities and the way we use our possessions.  He invites us to grow rich in the sight of God, instead of amassing wealth for ourselves. 

May the Lord Jesus, who teaches us that true happiness is not having immense possessions but in having faith in the providence of God, bless you abundantly and bring you true happiness and eternal joy. 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, August 3, 2025." Thanks.)

Seventeenth Sunday of the Year: C: July 27, 2025

 LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY: OUR FATHER

Introduction: The disciples observed Jesus praying. There must have been something very special about His prayer. That's why they ask Him: "Teach us to pray. Teach us to pray  as you are praying." Jesus teaches them the prayer 'Our Father'. There is more to His answer than just saying the 'Our Father'. Jesus urges us to come to the Father, and with child-like confidence, to pray to Him for all our spiritual and temporal needs. 

First Reading: Genesis 18: 20 to 32

Second Reading: Colossians 2: 12 to 14

 Gospel Reading: Luke 11: 1 to 12

   *First reading is from the book of Genesis. Abraham prays to the Lord God for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. People of those cities have grievously sinned against the Lord God. Those two rebellious and wicked cities are going to be destroyed. Abraham intercedes and pleads with the Lord God to spare them from destruction. Even if the number of righteous in them are as few as fifty/forty- five/forty/twenty or merely ten, Abraham wants the Lord God to be merciful to them and forgive their many sins. The Lord God promises Abraham that for the sake of the righteous persons as few as ten, in those cities, He will not destroy them. 

   *Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Colossians. Paul explains to the Christian community in Colossia that, in baptism, they are buried with Christ and are raised with Him. Hence, through baptism, a believer is inserted into Christ's death and resurrection. Thus a baptized person, once and for all, dies to the sinful way of life and is raised to live a new life of grace.

The Lord's Prayer                                                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Jesus teaches the prayer 'Our Father' to His disciples. It is a prayer for all times and for all occasions. Every relationship between us and our heavenly Father is taken care of in the prayer. The aspects that Jesus considers and that we too should consider include the following: 1. Acceptance of God as our heavenly Father and due praise to Him. 2. Praying for our daily needs: Food in particular. 3. Praying that we may forgive others so that we in turn receive forgiveness from God. 4. Praying that we may be able to overcome our temptations: For no one can say that we are not tempted. 5. Praying for deliverance from the power of evil. When we pray the prayer 'Our Father' or any other prayer, let us sincerely ask for what we need but let us be contented with what the Lord grants us. In this context, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "If we pray, we will believe; if we believe, we will love; if we love, we will serve." St. Augustine says: "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you." Mahatma Gandhi says: "Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is a daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart." And Joyce Meyer says: "Prayer doesn't change things- it changes us. If we are diligent in seeking God, slowly and surely we become better people." 

Conclusion: In his book Our prayer, Louis Evely suggests how we can find meaning in every circumstance of our lives, even in tragedies. God does not cause them, but He shows us how to overcome them. He writes: "God does not prevent disasters or death; He is with us in them. He offers us the grace to be happier poor than we would have been rich; to be happier in misfortune than when everything is going well." So we need to be persistent in our prayer no matter what happens. Ask for what we really need from the Lord. The Lord grants it. 

May the Lord Jesus who taught His disciples and us the prayer 'Our Father' bless you always with His heavenly blessings and answer your prayers in all your needs. 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. July 27, 2025)