Third Sunday of the Year: A: January 25, 2026

            JESUS' CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

Introduction: 'The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light'. St. Matthew describes the impact of Jesus' ministry in the above sentence. The light of Jesus frees us from the slavery of sin and darkness and lights up the road to heaven for us, in the midst of the drudgery of this life. Jesus' light brings healing not wounds; freedom not oppression; life not death. We are invited to become the source of light to others, a lamp for their paths. 

First Reading: Isaiah 9: 1 to 4

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1: 10 to 13 and 17

Gospel Reading: Matthew 4: 12 to 23

   *First reading is from the book of prophet Isaiah. Isaiah foresees the future glory of an oppressed and suppressed people of Israel. Three-fold changes are mentioned: Darkness will be replaced by light; sorrow will be replaced with joy, and oppression will be replaced by freedom. The prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfillment in Jesus the Son of God who comes as the light and liberator of the world. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul speaks about various polarizations taking place in the Christian community at Corinth. He denounces this situation in very strong terms and pleads with them to be united in mind and heart to be healed of their divisions. The Apostle reminds them that all Christians are united in the Lord and hence they should live in unity and peace without giving room for divisions and dissensions. 

I will make you fishers of men                                                                        Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Two vibrant themes are mentioned in the Gospel. In the first part, the inauguration of Jesus' public ministry in a land of gloom and darkness is narrated. Jesus begins His Mission with the simple invitation to 'REPENT'. The repentance demanded by Jesus from His followers implies willingness to sacrifice and make radical changes in their value systems. In the second part, the call of the first disciples is narrated. The setting is the sea of Galilee: In the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. Jesus calls Simon Peter, his brother Andrew and two others: James and his brother John. Walking along the shore, Jesus calls them to leave their fishing nets and to follow Him. There is no hint about where they are going. There are no details or road maps of what discipleship would lead them to. All that is promised by the Lord is that they will be made fishers of men. Immediately, they leave their boats and their nets (the sum total of their possessions) and follow the Lord. We too are called by the Lord to follow Him and to be His witnesses and to be fishers of men and women. We fulfil this mission of Jesus whenever we reach out in love to others. To heal them and to comfort them in their sorrows and downfalls. To be fishers of men and women is not a metaphor. It is a mission from, through and in Christ. Every follower of the Lord is called to continue the mission of Jesus. In this context the great theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "Discipleship is not limited to what you comprehend, it must transcend all comprehensions." Further he adds: "Discipleship is not hero worship but intimacy with Christ." 

Conclusion: As we are reminded of the call of the first disciples, we need to do the following: First of all, we need to appreciate our call to be disciples of Jesus. Everyone of us is called by the Lord. This call is both a privilege and a responsibility. The mission of preaching, teaching and healing which Jesus started in Galilee is now the responsibility of each of us. Secondly we need to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God. Each of us has received the unique call to preach the good news of God's love, mercy, forgiveness and salvation. Let us continue the mission of Jesus in all situations of life. 

May the Lord Jesus, who invited the first disciples to follow Him, bless you with conviction and courage to follow Him every day of your 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, January 25, 2026)

Second Sunday of the Year: A: January 18, 2026

               BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD

Introduction: In today's liturgy, John the Baptist presents Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. In the first reading prophet Isaiah describes the Servant of the Lord God who glorifies the Lord God by being faithful and restores peace and freedom to the people of God. A light to the nations and an agent of universal salvation. In the second reading Paul reminds us that we are sanctified and made holy by calling on the name of Jesus. Gospel presents Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away our sins. 

First Reading: Isaiah 49: 3 and 5 to 6

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1: 1 to 3

Gospel Reading: John 1: 29 to 34

   *First reading is from the book of prophet Isaiah. The Prophet looks forward to the coming of Messiah: Lord God's servant, the chosen one who will bring Israel back to the Lord God and eventually bring all people to the Lord God. He brings harmony and justice to the people. The prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfillment in Jesus who brings all people to the presence of God the Father. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul greets the people of Corinth with great affection and love. He wishes them grace and peace in the name of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul reminds us of our call to be holy, to be saints, as he greets the people of Corinth. 

Jesus the Lamb of God                                                                               Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. John the Baptist tells the people who Jesus is and what His mission is. Jesus is God's chosen one who will take away the sins of the world. He is the 'Servant of the Lord' that Isaiah speaks about in the first reading. He gathers the scattered tribes of Israel and brings them back to God. John testifies that Jesus ranks ahead of him because He was before him. John baptises with water but Jesus baptises with the Holy Spirit. John testifies that Jesus is the Son of God. True, John says Jesus has come to take away our sins. He came to heal our wounds. But what happens in the world? Jesus does take away our sins but the effects of our past sins and the sins of the humanity cannot be just removed or wiped away. It goes much deeper. We are born in a sinful world and we are part of it. We are in a state of brokenness and alienation from oneself, from others and from God. All of us are broken in some way. We have eyes that cannot see. Ears that cannot hear. Tongues that cannot speak. Wills that cannot decide. And above all, we have hearts that cannot love. So we need to repair our brokenness and heal our wounds. This healing can be done only by one person: Jesus. 

Conclusion: In one of the churches in Germany, there is a carved figure of a lamb near the top of the church tower. When asked why it is there, the Parish Priest explained that when the church was being built a worker fell down from a high scaffold. His co-workers rushed to the spot expecting him to be dead. But to everyone's surprise and joy, he was alive and was only slightly injured. How did he survive the fall? At that time a flock of sheep was passing beneath that tower and this man landed on top of a lamb. The lamb was crushed to death but the man survived. To commemorate this miraculous incident, someone carved a lamb on the tower at the exact height from which the worker had fallen. This incident in some way expresses what John the Baptist says, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." Prophet Isaiah's prophecy too indicates the same view of 'Servant of the Lord God' who brings salvation to everyone. Let us make earnest efforts to listen to the Lamb of God in our lives. John the Baptist witnessed to Jesus many centuries ago. Today we are urged to witness to the Lord in our lives. 

May the Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God, bless you and heal you from all sinfulness and brokenness and lead you to the fullness of life in heaven. 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, January 18, 2026. Thanks.)

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Jesus: January 11, 2026

 JESUS THE BELOVED SON OF THE FATHER

Introduction: Today we commemorate the great event in the life of Jesus: The baptism of Jesus at Jordan. It is a great turning point in the life of Jesus. For Him, it is a moment of identification with us sinners. Although Jesus was sinless, He identifies Himself with the whole humanity who are under the power of sin. It is a moment of conviction about His identity and Mission: That He is the Son of God and His Mission is to bring salvation to the fallen world. At His baptism Holy Spirit descends on Him and equips Him for the future Mission. The feast of Baptism of the Lord reminds us of our own baptism.

First Reading: Isaiah 42: 1 to 4 and 6 to 7

Second Reading: Acts 10: 34 to 38

Gospel Reading: Matthew 3: 13 to 17

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about the servant of the Lord God who will be an instrument of justice and peace to the people of God. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfilment in Jesus who opens the eyes of the blind and liberates all those who are in prison and in darkness. 

   *Second reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. St. Peter testifies that Jesus was sent by God to preach the good news of peace to the people of Galilee and of Judea. After being baptised by John the Baptist, Jesus is anointed by the Holy Spirit to do works of healing and to set free those oppressed by the power of evil. 

Baptism of Jesus at river Jordan                                                                   Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. An account of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist is given. John initially shows unwillingness to baptise Jesus, saying: "I need to be baptised by you." Later, he agrees to baptise Jesus. During the baptism, Holy Spirit descends on Jesus like a dove and alights on Him. The heavens are opened and a voice from heaven proclaims: "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." Hence, the voice from heaven affirms that Jesus is the Son sent by God the Father. He does what is pleasing to the heavenly Father. The baptism of Jesus gives us the following messages: 1. Jesus identifies Himself with the sinful humanity although He is sinless. 2. He submits Himself to the will of the Father. 3. God the Father approves the ministry of Jesus by empowering Him with the power of the Holy Spirit. Our baptism is very much related to the baptism of Jesus. For us, baptism is a door and once we enter through that door, our lives are never the same. By our baptism we become members of God's family. Hence by baptism, we are choosing a life like that of Jesus. We too become sons and daughters of the heavenly Father. At our baptism, we too were anointed by the Holy Spirit and are empowered.  

Conclusion: The baptism of Jesus should remind us the following: Our true identity; who we are and what we are.  By baptism we become sons and daughters of God the Father, brothers and sisters of Jesus. It should remind us of our own mission to experience the presence of God within us and transmit that experience to other humans and the world around us. It is a day to thank God for the graces we have received in baptism, to renew our baptismal promises and to bring God's love and mercy to others in search of the divine. 

May God, our heavenly Father, bless you with His heavenly blessings and announce that "This is my beloved son/ beloved daughter, in whom I am well pleased." 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, January 11, 2026." Thanks.)

The Feast of Epiphany of the Lord: A: January 4, 2026

 THE STAR AND THE THREE WISE MEN FROM THE EAST

Introduction: Today we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany: The manifestation of the divine in human form in the new-born Babe of Bethlehem. The Magi (the three wise men) represent genuine seekers of  truth from every age and culture. God offers the gift of knowing Him to all people. Like the wise men who embarked on a very long and tedious journey in search of Christ Child and found Him and recognized Him as the saviour of the world, we too will find Him if we make an earnest effort to look for Him in the world around us.

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1 to 6

Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2 to 3 and 5 to 6

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2: 1 to 12

   *First reading is from the book of prophet Isaiah. After the Babylonian exile, the people of Israel return to their homeland and they find Jerusalem in ruins. Isaiah encourages the people with the vision of a restored city and the Lord God's glory shining on it. The Prophet promises them that the scattered children of Israel will return to Jerusalem and multitudes of people will come from all corners of the world to worship the true God. They will come with gifts of gold and frankincense. Thus Isaiah alludes to the future manifestation of the Lord to people of all nations. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul expresses the truth that God invites everyone - both Jews and Gentiles - to share on an equal footing the salvation brought by Jesus Christ. This invitation is for all people belonging to every tribe and tradition to accept the revelation of God's salvation. 

The three wise men came to worship Christ                                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. A narration about how the three wise men came to Jerusalem to pay homage to Christ - the divine Child - is given. While the Jewish authorities fail to acknowledge Him, the Magi travel from darkness into true light. The sudden appearance of a bright star indicates the birth of a great and powerful leader. The wise men follow the star's course until they reach Judea. They go to Herod's palace expecting the new born King there. Instead, they meet Herod who is wicked to the core. He seeks to kill the divine Child. From there, they travel to Bethlehem and find the Babe in a manger with Mother Mary and St. Joseph. They pay their respect to Him and offer gifts to the divine Child: Gold, frankincense and myrrh. When they leave their gifts with Child Jesus, they in return receive the great gift: The gift of knowing who Jesus is. Thus they are enriched by their encounter with the divine Child. The three wise men represent all those who journey in hope to Jesus and find in Him their heart's desire. After meeting Child Jesus, they return to their own country. Faith in Jesus is not to be limited to any geographical or cultural boundary but is a gift to be shared with others.

Conclusion: The feast of Epiphany is a symbol of our pilgrimage through life to Christ the Lord. It invites each one of us to see ourselves as images of the wise men in our journey to Christ. In today's Gospel, we see three reactions to the birth of Jesus. The first reaction is hatred, the second is indifference and the third is adoration. The first group headed by Herod planned to destroy Jesus. The second group composed of priests and scribes ignored the birth of Jesus. And the third group, the shepherds and the wise men, adored the Lord and offered themselves and their gifts to Jesus. Let the Feast of Epiphany lead us to share this experience with others as the wise men did. 

May the divine Child who blessed the three wise men bless you with His heavenly blessings and lead you to eternal light. 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, January 4, 2026." Thanks.)

The Feast of the Holy Family: Sunday, December 28, 2025

 A MODEL FAMILY: THE HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH

Introduction: Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy  Family and the feast of all families. As we read in the Gospel, the Holy Family had their share of troubles and problems. As soon as St. Joseph got the message from God through a dream, he had to leave Bethlehem with Mary and child Jesus and flee to Egypt. Because Herod wanted to kill child Jesus. In our times of pain and turmoil, we often think : Why do bad things happen to good people? In those times, remember that the Holy Family suffered too. God did not shield them from hardships and pain. Rather, He let them have the strength of character to bear it. Through them, He is telling us that He will not turn His back on us when we find ourselves in critical situations in life. 

First Reading: Ecclesiasticus 3: 2 to 4 and 12 to 14

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 12 to 21

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2: 13 to 15 and 19 to 23

   *First reading is from the book of Ecclesiasticus. An advice is given to children of all ages to honour their parents. Honouring  father and mother is a must for all children. They are asked to take care of their parents in their old age and to show kindness and mercy even when the elderly are lacking in understanding. There is a promise of reward to those who take care of their parents. The children who respect and obey their parents are in fact giving glory to God and storing up spiritual treasures for themselves. 

   *Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Colossians. Paul gives a description of an ideal (model) Christian family. Love is the binding factor of Christian family life. Compassion, meekness, kindness, and mutual respect and forgiveness are hallmarks of a good family. Paul advises the members of every Christian family to love and respect one another and have concern for one another.  

Crisis in the Holy Family: Flight to Egypt                                                   Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The Holy Family at Nazareth is often portrayed as a model for all ideal and blessed families. But unfortunately, it was not a place of total peace and tranquility if we assumed it to be so. Joseph and Mary and Jesus had their share of struggles, misunderstandings and problems. In the Gospel, St. Joseph gets a message from God through a dream that he has to leave Bethlehem with Mary and child Jesus immediately because King Herod is planning to kill the child. They leave Bethlehem in a hurry and flee to Egypt (probably to Cairo). Many families ask today, "How can we identify with the Holy Family?" Mary was a virgin, Joseph a celibate, Jesus the Son of God. Yet, is it really that difficult to identify with a family on the run? With a husband and wife struggling to get water and food on the way side. A couple, without any valid papers to cross over to the frontiers of another country. A family living in Cairo ghetto for several years, who did not speak the local language. They knew what it was to deal with poverty, uncertainty and sudden changes. Their closeness to God did not erase the terrible heat and the freezing cold of the desert's various moods. All they could do was to trust in the providence of God. On the feast of the Holy Family, there are a few lessons for us from this model family: 1. Holy Family gives us encouragement, inspiration and great example to face various challenges in our family life. 2. That all families are called to be holy. Husband and wife attain their holiness when they discharge their duties faithfully trusting in the promises of God. 3. That when confronted with challenges and problems, blame game is not the solution but rather the readiness to listen to each other with humility and love and going forward with faith in God leads to a good family life. 

Conclusion: St. Paul in his letter to Colossians says: "Put on then, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience, forbearing one another and if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven you. Above all these, put on love which binds everything." These advices by Paul are very much relevant even in the 21st century. 

May the Holy Family - St. Joseph, Blessed Mary and Lord Jesus - bless you and all the families everywhere and strengthen you to follow the example of the Holy Family in your 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, December 28, 2025." Thanks.)

Fourth Sunday of Advent: A: December 21, 2025

        THE MYSTERY OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH

Introduction: We are in the fourth and final Sunday of Advent. Today's liturgy speaks to us about Emmanuel: 'God with us'. First reading from the book of prophet Isaiah speaks about the birth of Emmanuel, born of a young virgin. In the second reading, St. Paul in his letter to Romans speaks about the divine and human nature of Christ. He is born a human, but at the same time, He is the Son of God. In the Gospel, we hear Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she will bear a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary had her own doubts but finally she accepts the invitation of the Angel and unconditionally says 'yes' to God's will. That 'yes' changed the life of Mary for ever and she became the mother of God. As we prepare for Christmas, let our preparations be more spiritual than mere external preparations. 

First Reading: Isaiah 7: 10 to 14

Second Reading: Romans 1: 1 to 7

Gospel Reading: Matthew 1: 18 to 24

   *First reading is from the book of prophet Isaiah. Isaiah foretells the birth of a very special child. He will be called Emmanuel. Ahaz the king of Judah is in great distress. The prophet encourages him to have faith in the Lord God. Isaiah's constant message to the king is to trust in the Lord God. Further he invites Ahaz to ask for a sign from the Lord God. Ahaz is reluctant and refuses to ask for a sign. However, Isaiah tells Ahaz that a sign will be given by the Lord God. A son will be born whose name will be Emmanuel: God with us. 

   *Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Romans. The opening lines from Paul to the Christian community at Rome are mentioned. Paul refers to the human and divine 'roots' of Jesus. He describes Jesus as a descendant of David and Son of God who is the fulfillment of all prophecies of the past. 

Emmanuel: God with us                                                                             Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah is described. Jesus is seen as the royal child of the house of David: Born of a virgin. In Jesus, the dynasty of David continues. He is not only the son of David but also Son of God. Jesus is born of a virgin, Mother Mary. Mary's virginity points to the truth that Jesus is conceived without the intervention of a human father. A virgin mother has no precedent in any religious traditions. As we approach Christmas, the prophecy of Isaiah and it's fulfilment as narrated in Matthew are brought up for a very specific purpose. It is to remind all of us that even in our most distressing situations of life, difficulties, disappointments and pains, God is with us. It is in those painful times that we realize the immense power and the greatness of the Almighty. In this context, former US President  Calvin Coolidge said: "Christmas is not a time nor season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have a real spirit of Christmas." C. M. Schulz says: "Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone." 

Conclusion: Many gifts and presents will be exchanged during this Christmas. But the greatest and the best gifts are not chocolates or expensive and glittering presents but the gift of Jesus Himself. Let us prepare our hearts to welcome Him. 

                              MERRY CHRISTMAS!

May Emmanuel, born of a virgin, bless you with His heavenly blessings during 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, December 21, 2025." Thanks.)

Third Sunday of Advent: A: December 14,2025

 PREPARE FOR THE IMMINENT COMING OF THE LORD

Introduction: We are in the third week of Advent, intensively preparing for the coming of the Lord. In the first reading prophet Isaiah assures the people of Israel that the Lord God will come to their rescue. He speaks of a time, when Messiah comes, the eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of the deaf shall hear and the lame will be able to walk. In the second reading St. James in his letter urges us to be patient with regard to the second coming of the Lord. In the Gospel, John the Baptist sends messengers to enquire whether Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah. Jesus invites them to observe: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the deaf hear and the dead are raised. John invites all of us to have a change of heart and to repent. Advent is the time to clear our doubts and welcome the Lord earnestly.

First Reading: Isaiah 35: 1 to 6

Second Reading: James 5: 7 to 10

Gospel Reading: Matthew 11: 1 to 11

   * First reading is from the book of prophet Isaiah. Isaiah foretells the return of the people of Israel from the Babylonian captivity: The Lord God rescues them. Isaiah urges us that we too should look beyond our present sorrows and disappointments with a firm hope in the Lord God's love and saving actions in our lives. He encourages us to cheer up and not to be afraid because the Lord God will save us. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. James. The Apostle invites us to be patient: The quality which all of us find it hard to possess. He urges all of us to be loving and patient with one another and to be patient regarding the Lord's final coming. He gives us the great example of the prophets who underwent various sufferings but always went about patiently.

 Are you the one who is to come?                                                                     Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. John the Baptist's doubts and predicaments regarding Jesus and His mission are narrated. All of us have some unfulfilled hopes and unanswered prayers. John too faced a problem regarding the identity of Jesus. "Are you the one or shall we look for another?" is the question put by John to Jesus through his messengers. The hopes of John the Baptist regarding Jesus as the promised Messiah are not entirely fulfilled. John is imprisoned by Herod. In the prison, he is confused about Jesus and His mission. The question put by John is raised by people down the centuries and many raise this question even today. Jesus' answer to the messengers of John is to observe the happenings around them: Have a reality check. Jesus asks them to tell John concerning their experience of Him: Sight to the blind, lame walking, dead are raised to life and the good news being preached to the poor. Are there such experiences in our lives that would make us commit to Jesus and His mission? Today Jesus asks us to look around and see the presence of God and His benevolent power among us. Look around the world and observe the universe and experience the mighty manifestations of His love and care and the great power over the world, the stars and the galaxies in the ever expanding universe. When our hopes are broken and our dreams are shattered, let us not get disappointed and disheartened but rather place our total trust in the Lord. In this context Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "A prison cell, in which one awaits, hopes, and is completely dependent on the fact that the door to freedom has to be opened from outside, is not a bad picture of Advent." Steve Maraboli says: "Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies and do unto others as you would have done unto you." 

Conclusion: The question John puts as we heard in the Gospel is our question too. Is Jesus the Messiah: The only redeemer for us? Is His Gospel enough for us? Do we find in Jesus, the answer to our deepest longings? Advent is the time to address these questions. The ancient Romans had a God called Janus. January comes from the name of that God. He is depicted with having a head with two faces. One face looks backward and the other looks forward. The season of Advent is something similar. It looks backward to the first coming of Jesus which happened more than two thousand years ago. It also looks towards the future of Jesus' coming at the end of times. We are in between these two events. Our work is not to sit and watch but rather to continue the Mission of Jesus that He entrusted to us at His first coming. 

May the Lord Jesus bless you during this Advent that you may firmly believe that He is indeed the Messiah and dispel all doubts from your heart. 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 14, 2025." Thanks.)