Second Sunday of the Year: C: January 19, 2025

THE MIRACLE AT CANA OF GALILEE

First Reading: Isaiah 62: 1-5

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11

Gospel Reading: John 2: 1-12

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah promises the protection of the Lord God for the people of Israel. He assures them that they shall experience happiness and joy because the Lord God has taken delight in them. He says that like a bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall the Lord God rejoice over Israel. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Corinth that various gifts received by individual members have come from the same Spirit. They are to be used for the common good and for the well-being of the whole community. Gifts of healing, miracles, prophecy and the gift of tongues: All these are inspired by the same Spirit of the Lord so that the whole community may benefit from them. 

Jesus turns water into wine                                                                                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The happenings at the wedding feast at Cana of Galilee is narrated in great detail. It is a typical wedding celebration of Palestine. During the festivities, everyone eats and drinks merrily. Unfortunately at half way stage of the celebrations, wine runs short and the organizers are in great distress and gloom. The bridegroom's family is faced with deep embarrassment and shame. Mother Mary comes to know about their predicament and she intercedes with Jesus to help them out in their dire need. Jesus initially shows some hesitation. Mary is so sure of her Son that she tells the event managers to do just as Jesus tells them to do. What results is a great miracle. Six stone jars full of water are turned into excellent wine and everyone continued to celebrate without a worry. This is the first miracle performed by Jesus during His public life. This miracle story gives us some very important and significant lessons. 1. If we want miracles to take place in our lives, we have to invite Jesus into our lives. 2. When in trouble, we must take our burdens to the Lord. Blaming each other for our failures and lapses is not a solution. 3. When Jesus inspires us in difficult situations, we must put our faith in the Lord and follow His promptings. 4. We should allow the grace of God to intervene in our lives even in the most hopeless situations. 5. Any miracle in our lives should be an occasion for rejoicing and should lead us to a deeper trust in the Lord. Finally, the miracle at Cana teaches us that in times of great distress and total confusion, we should not lose heart but rather turn to our Blessed Mother Mary to intercede for us. She will definitely come to our aid. Let us take our crisis times as challenges and opportunities because Jesus can truly turn 'water into wine' in our lives too. A thought for reflection: Jesus worked first of His miracles at Cana  turning water into wine. He continued to work many miracles all through His public life. Finally He worked the last of His miracles and the most important one at the last supper; turning mere matter- bread and wine - into His body and blood. May the Lord Jesus bless you and continue to work many miracles in your lives and strengthen you in times of distress and pain. 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 19, 2025. Thanks.) 

The Feast of the Baptism of Lord Jesus: January 12, 2025

 JESUS THE BELOVED SON OF THE FATHER

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

Second Reading: Acts 10: 34 to 38 

Gospel Reading: Luke 3: 15 to 16 and 21 to 22

   *First reading is from the book of  Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about the servant of the Lord God, who will be instrumental in bringing justice and peace to the people of God. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfilment in Jesus, the servant of God, who opens the eyes of the blind and liberates the oppressed people and those under the power of darkness. 

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

Baptism by the Holy Spirit and with fire.                                                            Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. John the Baptist testifies to the mission of Jesus. The baptism of Jesus by John at the river Jordan is highlighted. When we read the Gospel story, we see what is happening to Jesus. Jesus has lined up like many others in front of John the Baptist. He steps inside the water when His turn comes. After a brief conversation with John, He receives baptism from John. After the baptism, Jesus steps outside the water like all the others. Then Luke reports: "Now when all the people had been baptized, and while Jesus after His own baptism is at prayer, heaven opens and Holy Spirit comes down." A voice from heaven proclaims: "Thou art my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." Hence, the voice from heaven affirms that Jesus is the Son sent by God the Father who always does what is pleasing to the heavenly Father. Gospel also says that the Spirit descends on Jesus in the bodily shape of a dove. The presence of the Spirit is visible just as that Spirit would be visible in all that Jesus says and does. The baptism of Jesus gives us the following messages: 1. Jesus identifies Himself with the sinful humanity although He is sinless. 2. Jesus totally submits Himself to the will of the heavenly 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 as we go through this door, our lives are never the same. Most of us were baptized when we were infants and did not really understand the depth, the meaning and its significance at the time of our baptism. By our baptism, we become members of God's community. Hence, by baptism we are choosing a life like that of Jesus. Like Jesus, by our baptism, we too become sons and daughters of the heavenly Father. At baptism, we too are anointed by the Holy Spirit. As Jesus was baptized to fulfil the will of God, we too are invited to do the same by living our baptismal promises. Those promises should be the guiding principles for the rest of our lives. St. Paul in his letter to Galatians says: "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Galatians 3:27) May the heavenly Father bless you 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 January12, 2025. Thanks.)

The Feast of Epiphany : C: January 5, 2025

 THE MANIFESTATION OF LORD JESUS

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1 to 5

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. Isaiah gives us a vision of the restored city of Jerusalem. He assures us that in spite of darkness and gloom, the Lord God will come in splendor and glory and as a light that shines brightly on the people. There will be great rejoicing and abundance of wealth in the land. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Ephesus and us the universality of salvation. God is inviting everyone: Both Jews and gentiles (non- Jews) to share on an equal footing the salvation won by Christ. He further clarifies that all are members of the same body and co-partners in the promises of Christ Jesus. 

The three wise men from the east visit Child Jesus                                                         Epiphany comes from the Greek word "epiphainein" which means to reveal or to manifest. The feast of Epiphany signifies the manifestation of Christ to all nations as represented by the three wise men (Magi) from the East. These men come in search of Christ the Lord. They find Him at Bethlehem, worship Him and offer Him precious gifts. From that day, millions of people from all corners of the world and all walks of life follow their footsteps and come to meet Christ the Lord. Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. A graphic description of how the wise men came to Bethlehem is given. Guided by a star, they reach Jerusalem and meet King Herod. They want some guidance from Herod regarding the whereabouts of the divine Child. Herod calls his advisers and takes their suggestions. They refer to the prophecies of old and come to the conclusion that the new King is born in Bethlehem. The wise men leave Herod's palace and go in search of Child Jesus. They find Him in Bethlehem as told. They meet Child Jesus with Mother Mary and pay their respect to Him and offer Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Gospel story has some very important and relevant messages. 1.It speaks about the journey of three wise men from the east to Jerusalem, a distant land and totally unknown place, in search of Christ Child. Their journey is a symbol of the search for truth by genuine seekers of God. 2. The meeting of the wise men with Herod tells us that some people in authority and power symbolized by Herod try to suppress and destroy truth, God's messages and messengers. 3. The three wise men pay homage to Christ Child and receive His blessings. It is a deeply touching story of all moments of grace. There is joy of recognition of God and His presence and total surrender to God which is symbolized by their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. In this context John Milton says: "Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world." May Child Jesus who blessed the three wise men from the east bless you and give you the grace to recognize the true living God. 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 5. 2025" Thanks.) 

The Feast of the Holy Family: December 29, 2024

 THE HOLY FAMILY : A MODEL FAMILY

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

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 12 to 21

Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 41 to 52

   *First reading is from the book of Ecclesiasticus. An advice to children of all ages to honour their parents is given. Honouring father and mother is a must for 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 understanding. There is a promise of reward to those who take care of their parents. It is told that the children who respect and obey their parents are in fact giving glory to God and storing up spiritual treasure 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 advices the members of every Christian family to love and respect one another and have concern for one another. 

Crisis in the Holy Family: Boy Jesus is lost in the Jerusalem temple                                   Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The Holy Family at Nazareth is portrayed as a model for all ideal and blessed families in the world. But unfortunately, it is not a place of total tranquility if we assume it to be so. Joseph, Mary and Jesus had their share of struggles, misunderstandings and problems. Gospel narrates how boy Jesus was lost in the Jerusalem temple and later he was found by Mother Mary and St. Joseph. When Jesus is 12 years old, the Holy Family goes to the Jerusalem temple for the Passover feast. After the feast, when the celebrations are over, on their return journey, Mary and Joseph realize that boy Jesus is not with them. They search diligently for the child for three agonizing days with heavy hearts. Finally they find boy Jesus in the temple. Mary expresses her anguish and pain to Jesus. He simply tells her: "Do you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" Although Jesus is well aware of His mission entrusted to Him by the Heavenly Father, He obediently  goes to Nazareth  with His parents, respecting their wishes. He does not want to hurt them and He continues to prepare for His public ministry, remaining with them, till it begins. Holy Family gives us some wonderful lessons as to how we should deal with the many crises in our family life: Not by blaming one another but by going forward in faith with love and concern for one another. From the Gospels we realize that, just as every family has to face many day to day problems and challenges, so also the Holy Family had many challenges to deal with. Mary and Joseph had more than their share of problems and difficulties from the time the angel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear a Son who would be called God with us (Emmanuel), till the death of Jesus on the cross. Just as the Holy Family overcame all  the challenges and difficulties through their love for each other and being faithful to God, today we pray that all families will conquer the many challenges through love for each other and faith in the providence of God. Here is a thought for those parents who say that they do not understand their children. Khalil Gibran gives us this message: "Your children are not your children... They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself... They come through you but not from you... And they belong not to you... You may give them your love but not your thoughts... You may house their bodies but not their souls... For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow... Which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams."

May the Holy Family bless you and all families with love, compassion, kindness and mutual respect and lead you to the love of God. 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 29, 2024. Thanks.)

Christmas: C: December 25, 2024

THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST, THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD

First Reading: Isaiah 9: 2 to 7

Second Reading: Titus 2: 11 to 14

Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 1 to 14

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about the messianic hope of a Saviour who will rescue the people of Israel from their bondage. He prophesies that the child to be born will  be a wonderful counsellor,  mighty God, everlasting Father and Prince of peace. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfilment and meaning at the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.

   *Second reading is from St. Paul's  letter to Titus. Paul reminds Titus and us that Christ has been revealed as God's living and loving grace and the salvation of humankind. He encourages us to live  sober and religious lives because God in Christ has brought about salvation to everyone.

Silent Night...Holy Night... A Saviour is born today                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. A beautiful and touching description about the night of the birth of our Saviour and Lord Jesus is narrated. It is a story of beautiful angels, shepherds and Mother Mary with Child Jesus in the manger. The Christmas story, unlike many other stories, is based on a historical event - the birth of Jesus in space and time. Christmas story also points to the sharp reality of life experienced by a poor family: Mary and Joseph are desperate for a place to welcome the birth of their child. They are a poor family on a long journey with much uncertainty and experience rejection at every step. The baby is born in a manger, where the animals are fed. The poverty and the simplicity of life is seen in the whole story. It is through the eyes and experiences of the poor that we are saved. We are all poor in the sense that we share one small vulnerable planet in this vast universe. Climate changes and its after effects are affecting the lives of everyone in our planet. God's unending love for humankind is personally expressed by the birth of Jesus. His love is inviting all of us to the manger. The shepherds responded to the call at the first Christmas night. At Jesus' birth in the manger, the humble, simple shepherds are privileged to meet the divine Child and receive His blessings. This great event in Bethlehem is at the center of all creation and of all history. Jesus took human form and He will come in glory at the end of times. He teaches us to live the present in patient expectation of the blessed hope of His future coming. Let this Christmas bring us hope, joy and peace in these times of many challenges that we have to face everyday of our lives. In this context, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you... yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand. It is not how much you do, but how much you put in the doing. If we were humble, nothing would change us - neither praise nor discouragement." St. Francis of Assisi says: "Christmas is not a time nor a Season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy is to have the real spirit of Christmas. Christmas is a season not only for rejoicing but of reflection."

May the Divine Child born in Bethlehem bless you with His peace, joy and love that only He can give. Amen.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

(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 25, 2024." Thanks.)

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.)