The Feast of Epiphany :C

"WISE MEN FROM THE EAST VISIT CHRIST CHILD"

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage, the Prophet gives us a vision of the restored city of Jerusalem. In spite of darkness and gloom, the  Prophet assures the people , that the Lord will come in splendor and glory and as a light that shines 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. In this passage, the Apostle, explains the universality of salvation, that God invites all - both Jews and Gentiles(includes all non Jews) alike to share on an equal footing the salvation won by Christ. All are members of the same body and co-partners in the promise of Christ Jesus.

"Manifestation of Christ Child"
Epiphany comes from the Greek work "epiphainein" which means to reveal. This points to the manifestation of Christ to all nations as represented by the three wise men (Magi) from the east. The three wise men came searching for Christ. They found Him, worshiped Him , and offered precious gifts. From that day, millions of people have followed them and came to Christ the Lord.
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. This passage gives an account of how the three wise men from the east came to Bethlehem seeing a special star. Guided by the star, they reached Jerusalem and went and met King Herod looking for some guidance from the king ;regarding the birth of Christ. Herod summoned his advisers and took their opinion. They referred to prophecies of old and told the wise men that the New King is expected to be born in Bethlehem. Hearing the news, the wise men left Herod's palace and went in search of the Child Jesus in Bethlehem. They recognized the Child Jesus, Mother Mary and paid their respects and offered their gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Three important messages are given in today's Gospel story:
1. It speaks of the journey of the three wise men from the east to Jerusalem  a far away and unknown place in search of Christ Child. The journey of theirs is a symbol of the search for truth by genuine seekers of God.
2. The meeting of wise men with Herod tells us that people in authority and power symbolized by Herod , try to suppress and destroy truth and God's message and messengers.
3. The wise men reached Bethlehem and paid homage to Christ Child and received blessings. It is a 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: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Thirty First Sunday of the Year: B: Feast of All Saints

"REMEMBERING THE SAINTS"

Fist Reading: Apocalypse 7: 2-4. 9-14
Second Reading: 1 John 3: 1-3
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 1-12

   * Fist reading is from the book of Apocalypse (Revelations). This passage gives a vivid vision of the victorious followers of Christ in the heavenly Kingdom. They are from every nation, race, tribe and language. Hence the universality of salvation through Jesus Christ (the Lamb) in whose blood they were washed clear is pointed out.

   * Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. In this passage, St. John tells us that in heaven, we are going to see God as He is. However, we are asked to be like Christ  here on earth to have this vision of God.

"The Beatitudes"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. This passage gives the discourse of Jesus on the mountain where the "Beatitudes" are described. These are the qualities  that Jesus wishes to see in His disciples. These are the qualities exemplified in the lives of Saints.
In the "Beatitudes" we see the reversal of values in the Kingdom of God opposed to the values of the world. 
1. Blessed are the poor- opposed to the rich who are considered blessed in the world.
2.Blessed are those who mourn - opposed to those who enjoy life in the world.
3. Blessed are the meek - opposed to those who are proud.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst - opposed to those who have their fill in the world.
5. Blessed are the merciful - opposed to those who are cruel and arrogant.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart - opposed to those who manipulate and deceive others .
7. Blessed are the peace makers - opposed to  those who are war mongers.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted and suffer all kinds of evil.- opposed to those who do not face any sufferings and pain and enjoy life at the expense of others.
Saints are people who are blessed by Jesus because they lived lives according to Gospel values. Saints are people with moral and spiritual values whose concern is the need of the neighbour. To be part of the company of saints we must accept the path of Jesus in our life journey and  be blessed in return.

The Feast of Corpus Christi :B

"THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST"

First Reading: Exodus 2:3-8
Second Reading: Hebrews: 9:11-15
Gospel Reading: Mark. 14:12-16,22-26

   *First reading is from the book of Exodus. This passage gives us a description of the Covenant God made with Moses on behalf of the people of Israel. This covenant was sealed with the blood of animals. The covenant  made between God and Moses is a prefiguration of the new covenant that Jesus made and sealed with His own blood on  Calvary. 

   *Second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. In this passage Jesus is portrayed as the High priest who offers His own blood for the redemption and salvation of all humankind. He is the mediator between God and man and He brings eternal inheritance.

"Take This is My Body.. This is My blood"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. In this passage, we have the events of the Last Supper narrated in detail. At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharist and gave His Body as food for us and His blood as a life giving drink for all eternity. Unlike the old covenant which was sealed with the blood of animals, the new covenant is sealed with the blood of Jesus. In the Eucharist, we are sharing in the very life of Christ in totality. Therefore , the feast of Body and Blood of Christ gives us an opportunity to be thankful - for the most precious gift of the Eucharist , the abiding and real presence of Jesus, the Son of God in our midst. The Feast of Corpus Christi should help us in the following ways. 1. By receiving Eucharist, we are becoming part of Jesus , hence our life has to change for the better. 2. This is a day of humble acceptance of God's gift and a challenge for us to live up to the expectations of Jesus present in us. 
"At the time of communion not only we receive Jesus but Jesus also receives us as the member of His body " - Bl. Pope John Paul II

Sixth Sunday of Easter :B

"JESUS' COMMANDMENT OF LOVE"

First Reading: Acts 10: 25-26,34-35,44-48
Second Reading: 1 John 4: 7-10
Gospel Reading: John 15: 9-17

   * Today's first reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. This passage gives us a vivid account of the Baptism of Cornelius - a non Jew and a Roman Centurian - and his family. While Peter was speaking to them about Jesus, Holy Spirit came down on them. This incident explicitly tells us that God is not selective in His love. His salvation is open to people of all nationalities. 

   * Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. This passage contains what is probably the most important statement ever made about God: that God is LOVE in its fullness. The proof of God's love is that He sent His own beloved Son to give us eternal life and make expiation for the sins of the humanity.

"Love One Another As I Have Loved You"
Today's Gospel reading is from St.John. In this passage Jesus expresses His love for His disciples. In return, their love for Him should be expressed by keeping His commandment. Jesus is not speaking of the ten commandments which God gave to Moses. In the Gospels we have certain guidelines for keeping His commandment.
It could mean the following:
1. Do not return evil for evil. Nothing is achieved by revenge and retaliation.
2. Do not judge others. Leave the judgement to God.
3. Do not worry about food and drink and cloths as if these are the most important things in life. Out first concern should be to live as Christ wants us.
4. Do not look back once you have decided to follow Jesus.
5. Let you light shine before people.
6. Love you enemies. Not just your friends and cronies.
7. Give and you will receive in abundance.
8. Forgive every one who sins against you.
9. Take this bread and eat it. Take this cup and drink from it. Eucharist is the primary nourishment to live as followers of Christ.
10. Finally, Love one another as I have loved you.
If we follow these dos and don'ts then probably we will be able to fulfill the commandment of love.
"Hungry for Love , He looks at you.
Thirsty for kindness, He begs you.
Naked for Loyalty, He hopes in you.
Homeless for shelter in your heart, He asks you. Will you be that one to Him?" - Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. 

The Baptism of the Lord :B

              "THE BELOVED SON"

First Reading : Isaiah: 42: 1-4, 6-7
Second Reading: Acts 10: 34-38
Gospel Reading; Mark 1: 7-11

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. The Prophet speaks of a new and permanent relationship which God will make with all humanity through His servant. Isaiah gives the picture of a true servant of God . He is gentle and humble of heart, who is dedicated to his mission, which is to bring about true liberation to all who are oppressed. This prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled in Jesus.

   * Second reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. The author says that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with Holy Spirit and with power so that he could fulfill the mission entrusted to Him. In this passage we have a description of how the early Church understood baptism . Like Jesus, a baptized person is seen to be anointed with Holy Spirit and with power from above.

"Baptism of Jesus at Jordan"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. It gives details of the Baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan by John the Baptist. With His Baptism , Jesus' true identity is revealed and he is given power for the mission he is about to begin. Jesus was baptized to fulfill God's plan of salvation. Jesus did not have to be baptized to be free from sin unlike any of us because he was never under the power of sin.
When Jesus came out of the water, the heavens were opened and the Spirit of the Lord descended on Him and a voice from heaven proclaimed ,"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased". Hence, Jesus is seen as one in whom the prophecies of the Old Testament are fulfilled. It is a declaration that in Jesus, all the hopes and longings are accomplished. Jesus is the Son of God and the Spirit of God rested on Him. He will begin His ministry with Father's authority and love.
Through baptism, we too are united with Jesus and share in His Mission.
"In baptism, the form of Christ's death is impressed upon his own" Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
"Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith" - W. Nee
"Just as a man cannot live in the flesh unless he is born in the flesh, even so man cannot have the spiritual life of grace unless he is born again spiritually. This regeneration is effected by Baptism."- St. Thomas Aquinas.