Christmas :B: December 25, 2017

'BIRTH OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR'

First  Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7
Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14
Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 1-14

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage Isaiah speaks about Messianic hope of a Saviour who will rescue the people from their bondage. He prophecies that this Child will be a wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father and Prince of peace. This hope of the Prophet is fulfilled by the birth of Jesus  the Lord and Saviour.

   * Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Titus. In this passage Paul reminds Titus and us, that Christ has been revealed as God's living and loving grace and salvation of human kind. He encourages us to live sober and righteous lives because God in Christ has brought about salvation.

'Silent Night, Holy Night.... Saviour is born'

Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. This passage gives us a beautiful and touching description of the night of the birth of our Saviour Lord Jesus. It is the story of beautiful Angels, shepherds taking care of their flock, Mother Mary with Child Jesus in the manger. The Christmas story unlike other stories is based on a historical event: that is the birth of Jesus in space and time. God's unending love for humankind is personally expressed in 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.
When Jesus was born, the humble, simple shepherds were able to meet Him and receive His blessings. Child Jesus in the manger is inviting us too.
Merry 
Christmas!
May the Divine Child Bless You
                                           - Fr. Joy Joseph

Thirty Fourth Sunday:A:Feast of Christ the King : Nov. 26, 2017

"KING OF KINGS : JESUS  CHRIST"

First Reading: Ezekiel 39: 11-12, 15-17
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 20-26,28
Gospel Reading: Matthew 25: 31-45

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. In this passage Prophet Ezekiel portrays God not as a judge of His people but as someone who cares for the people. He is compared to a shepherd who takes care of His sheep- even the least and the lost ones- and watches over them day and night.

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. In this passage Paul explains to the Corinthian community about the resurrection of Christ. He assures them and us that Christ is the conqueror of every authority and power in the world. At the end of time, He will hand over the Kingdom to the Father after destroying the last enemy that is death. He also says that Christ's resurrection is the proof and guarantee of our own resurrection from the dead.

"Christ the King of the Universe"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew, Chapter 25. The last judgement scene is described in detail. At the last judgement , Jesus will come as a judge and separate the good and evil. The King will tell those on his right - those who are blessed- 'as you did it to one of the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it me'. Those admitted to His Kingdom are not people who have done anything spectacular in the eyes of the world. The requirement to be part of the Kingdom is very simple and does not go beyond the capacity of any ordinary person. The actions are simple responses to the human needs. For Christ, simple human graciousness and charity are ground enough to be welcomed into the fullness of the Kingdom. Jesus looks upon every kindness done to a person in need however lowly as a kindness done to Himself.
Those who are excluded from His Kingdom - those cursed- have brought doom upon themselves because they failed to respond to simple human needs. They are condemned eternally not because of any violent crimes but because of their failure to act on the human needs of those in need. Hence, if we want to honour our King, we must do something to the least of His brothers and sisters in need.
"The biggest disease in the world today is not leprosy, TB or Aids but the feeling of being unwanted and uncared for. The greatest evil in the world is lack of love, the terrible indifference towards one's neighbour. What the poor need even more than food, clothes and shelter is to be wanted" - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. 

Fifteenth Sunday of the Year :A: July 16 , 2017

"FRUITFULNESS OF THE WORD OF GOD"

First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11
Second Reading: Romans 8: 18-23
Gospel Reading: Matthew 13: 1-23

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage the Prophet tells us that God cares for the earth by sending rains to make it fruitful. In the same way, He sends His Word so that it may bring forth fruit in our lives. Isaiah assures us that the Word of God will not be empty but will surely accomplish its purpose.

   *Second  reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. In this passage Paul instructs the Christian community in Rome and us that the glory which awaits us in the next life far out weighs all the sufferings of our present times. He further says the whole of creation is waiting for the liberation and glory which will be accomplished through Christ. In Christ we have become adopted sons and daughters and hence receive redemption of our bodies.

              "The Parable of the Sower"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In this passage, we have the parable of the sower. In the parable, Jesus compares the Word of God to the seeds that are sown in a field. In the first instance, some seeds fell into the path ways. In the second, some seeds fell in rocky ground and in the third, some seeds fell on thorny bushes. In all the above three situations, the seeds failed to produce any fruit due to various reasons. But in the final instance, some seeds fell on good soil and they produced fruits: some thirty, some sixty and some even hundred fold.
Jesus told this parable to his hearers to explain to them how the Word of God affects different types of people in the world.
In the second part of the Gospel, Jesus explains the parable to His disciples and highlights four different responses to the Word. Those who hear the word of God and do not understand it, the evil one comes and destroys it - are like the seeds that fell on the road side. Then there are people who hear the Word of God and receives it with joy but when trials and difficulties comes their way, they give up following the Word. These are like seeds that fell on rocky ground and due to lack of depth of soil they soon died. Then the third type of people , they listen to the word of God but cares of the world chokes them and they too do not produce the desired result. They are like the seeds that fell among thorny bushes. Finally, those who hear the word of God, accept it and and put into practice in their daily lives are like seeds that fell on good soil.
The point of the parable echoes the first reading from Prophet Isaiah: that the Word of God is fruitful and will accomplish its purpose. It is worth noting that many great works had very humble beginning like tiny seeds that fell on the ground. 
"It is not always granted to the sower to live to see the harvest. All work that is worth anything is done in faith" - Albert Schweitzer.

Feast of Corpus Christi Sunday : A: June 18, 2017

"JESUS THE LIVING BREAD FROM HEAVEN"

First Reading : Deuteronomy 8: 2-3,14-16
Second Reading; 1 Corinthians 10: 16-17
Gospel Reading: John 6: 51-58

   * First reading is from the book of Deuteronomy. In this passage Moses reminds the people of ;Israel to acknowledge God's saving power which accompanied them during their journey to the promised land. He exhorts them to remember that they are God's own people who need to nourish themselves on His Word. However God tested them ;in the wilderness and made them feel hungry so that they might know that word of God is more important than perishable food.

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St.Paul to the Corinthians. In this passage, Paul explains to the Corinthian community how the participation in the Eucharistic celebration can become a source of strength to the Christian solidarity and oneness. As food and drink nourish  the body so the Eucharist nourishes us spiritually. As a result of receiving Holy Communion, an intimate union between Christ and the recipient takes place.

"Life Giving Jesus in the Eucharist"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John Chapter 6. which has elaborate passages on the Eucharist. In this passage, Jesus explains to His disciples and followers that to be part of Him, it is essential that they eat His body and drink His blood. Jesus is the living bread which alone gives eternal life. Hearing this teaching of Jesus, many of the Jews who followed Him, took offense and no longer followed Him. Because for a Jew to eat the body and drink the blood of another person was totally unacceptable and unthinkable.
Yet Jesus persisted with this teaching on Eucharist. Jesus later ratified His teaching on Eucharist by offering His body and blood to His disciples at the last supper. The feast of Corpus Christi recalls to our mind all that Jesus did to give His own  life for us, especially the offer of His body and blood signify the totality of self gift. The celebration of the Eucharist implies serious challenges and obligations for every Christian. More than mere participation, it implies that a Christ like life is necessary.
"God dwells in our midst, in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar' - St; Maxmillian Kolbe. 
"And just as He appeared before the holy Apostles in true flesh, so now He has us see Him in the sacred bread" - St. Francis of Assisi.
"In each of our lives Jesus comes as the bread of life - to be eaten , to be consumed by us. This is how He loves us " St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Eighth Sunday of the Year : A

"STOP WORRYING AND START LIVING"

First Reading: Isaiah 49: 14-15
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Gospel Reading: Matthew 6: 24-34

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage Prophet Isaiah gives consolation and hope to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. He assures them that the Lord God will never forget them. Further he adds, even if a nursing mother forgets her infant (which is most uncommon), even then , the Lord God will will never ever forget His chosen people. This is the assurance of God to each one of us chosen by Him. We can always trust in God. He is always faithful.

   * Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. In this passage, Paul tells the Christian community in Corinth that God alone can judge rightly because He alone knows the secrets of the heart of a person. We should not make hasty judgments about other people. God is the only one who can judge rightly.

"Freedom from Worries and Anxieties"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In this passage, Jesus urges His disciples and us not to be anxious about the things of this world. He urges us to trust in the providence of God. Different causes of anxieties and worries are taken into consideration by Jesus.
1. The disciples are not to be anxious about life. By being anxious, we cannot add one day to our life.
2. The disciples are not to be anxious about what they will eat or drink. Jesus gives us the example of the birds of the air. They neither sow nor reap like men do. But heavenly Father feeds them without fail. We are of more value than the birds.
3. The disciples are not to be anxious about their clothing. Jesus gives us the example of the lilies of the field. They are far better presented than King Solomon in his glorious days. If so, God will certainly take care of us.
4. The disciples are to have single minded loyalty. Divided loyalties are also cause of anxieties in our lives.
To be blessed by God, all we need to do is to seek God's Kingdom and His righteousness. The rest will follow. Finally, Jesus tells us that we need not be worried about tomorrow either because, tomorrow will have its own worries and problems to be dealt with.
Hence, Jesus' message liberates us of  all types of worries and anxieties, so that we may be free to follow His divine will.
"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength" - C.T.Boom.
"The secret of health of both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly " - The Buddha.  

Seventh Sunday of the Year : A

                "LOVE YOUR ENEMIES"

First Reading: Leviticus 19: 1-2, 17-18
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3: 16-23
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 38-48

   * First reading is from the book of Leviticus. In this passage, the Lord God asks Moses to instruct the Israelites regarding their way of life. They were told to be holy like the Lord Himself. To be holy would mean : Not to hate one's neighbour or take vengeance or grudge as they love themselves. This teaching of the Lord God is echoed in the teaching of Jesus.

   * Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. In this passage, Paul reminds the Corinthian Christians that Holy Spirit dwells among them. They are the temples of the Holy Spirit and hence they should be holy. Further, he adds that wisdom of the world is folly. Paul asks them to respect one another forgetting their differences.

"You must be Perfect as your Heavenly Father is Perfect"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. This passage contains one of the most difficult and revolutionary teachings of Jesus. To love those who love us is easy. But Jesus tells His disciples and us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. Such a teaching is never heard off.
Jesus gives us the example of the heavenly Father who is good to everyone. : both good and bad. Jesus goes beyond the teaching of Leviticus, where love was restricted to the neighbour. Revenge and retaliation is not for His disciples. Old Testament teaching of eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth is not to be practiced by His disciples. because, revenge and retaliation eventually destory a person and the society. Jesus asks His disciples to be better than the gentiles/ordinary people, in their behaviour.
Jesus' teaching is very sensible if we look at the world today. Hate never solves any problems , rather, when we hate another person, we give him/her tremendous power over us.: he/she robs us of our peace of mind and capacity to love. Let us turn our enemies into friends,
"Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends" - Abraham Lincon.
" Love is the only force capable of transforming any enemy into a  friend" - Martin Luther King Jr.
"Overcome the angry by non-anger: overcome the wicked by goodness."- The Buddha.
"To error is human but to forgive is divine"- a Proverb.

Sixth Sunday of the Year : A

"FULFILLMENT OF THE COMMANDMENTS"

First Reading: Sirach 15: 15-20
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2: 6-10
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 20-37

   * First reading is from the book of Sirach. In this passage, the author says that God has given us freedom to choose good and evil. But God wants that we humans should always use our freedom with a sense of responsibility.

   * Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. In this passage, Paul tells the Christian community in Corinth that salvation through the cross of Christ is God's marvelous plan for the world. He gives us a future vision too: what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.

"Letter of the Law V/s Spirit of the Law"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In this passage, Jesus reinterprets the ten commandments given by the Lord God to Moses on Mount Sinai. The new Moses, that is, Jesus gives us a new vision and a new understanding.
1. Jesus confirmed the Law in its condemnation of killing. But He went deeper in condemning the motivation that leads to such a crime: that is anger. He teaches us that reconciliation is far more important than offering sacrifices. The duty of making peace is more urgent than the duty to offer worship to God.
2. Jesus confirmed the law that adultery is a sin. But He went much further by teaching us that a person who looks lustfully at the opposite sex has already sinned in his/her heart. A person's sinful intentions and attitudes are equally sinful as the sin itself.
3. Jesus gave a clear teaching about divorce too. Law of Moses allowed a husband to divorce his wife on grounds of unchastity . But Jesus taught that divorce is unacceptable in the eyes of God.
Demands of Jesus from His followers is certainly very tough. On our own we cannot measure up to His standards. But with God's grace, we can certainly measure up to the standards set by Jesus.

The Epiphany of the Lord : A

          "THE STAR AND THE WISE MEN"

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6
Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-4
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2: 1-12

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. After the Babylonian exile, People of Israel returned to their homeland and found Jerusalem in ruins. In this passage, Prophet Isaiah encourages the people with the vision of a restored city and God's glory shining on them. The Prophet promised them that , the scattered children of Israel will return to Jerusalem and multitudes of people will come there to worship the true God. They will come with gifts of gold and frankincense.

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

" The Wise Men came to Worship Christ"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In this passage, the evangelist narrates how wise men from the east came to pay homage to  Christ - Child, while the Jewish leaders failed to acknowledge Him. In the Gospel narrative, the wise men from the east traveled from darkness into light. The sudden appearance of a bright star indicated the birth of a great leader. These men followed the star's course until they came to Judea and then went to Herod's palace where they expected the new born king.
But the wise men found instead, Herod who was wicked to the core and that he sought to kill the divine child. They went to Bethlehem and worshiped Him and offered gifts to the divine child. When these men left their gifts with the Child Jesus, they returned back with gifts : gift of knowing who Jesus is and they were enriched by their encounter with the divine.
These three wise men represent all those who journey in hope to Jesus and find in Him their heart's desire. Then they returned 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.