Thirty Fourth Sunday :B: Feast of Christ the King: November 25, 2018

"CHRIST, THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE"

First Reading: Daniel 7: 13-14
Second Reading: Apocalypse 1: 5-8
Gospel Reading: John 18: 33-37

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Daniel. This passage gives a description of the vision of Daniel. In his vision Daniel saw 'son of man' (Christ) being presented to the heavenly Father and He was given dominion and glory and Kingship. All people and nations were under His everlasting power.

   * Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. This passage speaks of the faithfulness of Christ who is the ruler of whole world and all kingdoms. By His shedding of blood, Christ has freed us from sin and made us part of His Kingdom. Christ is the Alpha and Omega - the beginning and the end of everything.

"Citizens of eternal Kingdom"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. This passage gives an account of Jesus being asked by Pilate about His kingdom. Jesus' answer was that His kingdom is not of this world. But He said,"I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice". Hence the hall mark of Jesus' kingship is testifying to the truth. Pope Benedict XVI says,"Jesus' whole existence reveals that God is love. This is therefore the truth of which he gave full testimony with the sacrifice of his own life on Calvary. The Cross is the 'throne' from which he manifested the sublime royalty of God - Love."
Jesus' kingship did not end with His death on the cross, on the contrary, His kingdom continues for ever in eternal glory and splendor as He testified that His kingdom did not belong to this world. May we have the courage and the perseverance to remain true to our King and Lord. We need to give witness to His rule by belonging to the side of truth and continue to listen to the voice of Christ the universal King.
Beneath the picture of Christ runs the following message: "Jesus also known as Christ wanted on charges of sedition, criminal anarchy, vagrancy, and conspiring to overthrow the established government. Dresses poorly, uses carpentry as a cover, has visionary ideas. Associates with common working people, unemployed and winos. Has variety of aliases: Prince of peace, Son of Man, Light of the World, etc. Full beard and scars on hands  and feet the result of injuries inflicted by angry mob led by respectable citizens and local authorities." - James Gilhooley.
Church's liturgical year concludes with the celebration of Feast of Christ the King.

Thirty Third Sunday of the Year: B: November 18, 2018

"END TIMES: BEGINNING OF A NEW WORLD ORDER"

First Reading: Daniel 22: 1-3
Second Reading: Hebrews 10: 11-14
Gospel Reading: Mark 13: 24-32

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Daniel. This passage describes in detail the revelations of Daniel regarding the end of time. It foretells great upheavals and disasters which will happen in the world. But these signs will be followed by a new and everlasting existence. Hence the passage points to a belief in the resurrection of the dead.

   * Second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. This passage explains to us that priests of the Old Testament offered sacrifices which could not take away sins. On the other hand the supreme sacrifice offered by Christ is superior to all the other sacrifices performed in the Old Testament. Because Christ through a single sacrifice has taken away all our sins.

"Final days to come"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. This passage too gives us some indications of the end of the present world. Jesus speaks of a time of destruction, terror, troubles and persecutions. People will be betrayed and handed over to the authorities. There will be wars and earthquakes and famines. Then there will be cosmic upheavals. The Sun, the Moon and the stars will lose their normal courses and appearances. After these series of disasters finally there will be good news. Jesus looks beyond the time of distresses to a final time when the Son of man will gather the elect. He sees beyond the sufferings and persecutions to a future of peace with God. 
To explain His future vision, Jesus uses the imagery of the fig tree which sheds its leaves annually. At that time its stark spiky twigs make it look quite dead until new life comes in autumn. Jesus used this imagery to explain the new life that will be manifested when He comes in glory.
We need to have deep faith and courage to face times of distress, sufferings and pain and to look forward to a new life in the Lord.
Six signs are given by Jesus to indicate the end of the age as in Matthew's Gospel.
1. False prophets, Mt. 24:5 2. Wars, Mt. 24:6-7 3. Famines , Mt. 24:7 4. Earthquakes , Mt.24: 7 5. Tribulations, Mt. 24:8-9
  6. Gospel being preached throughout the world Mt. 24:14

Thirtieth Sunday of the Year: B : October 28, 2018

"JESUS SON OF DAVID HAVE MERCY ON ME"

First Reading: Jeremiah 31: 7-9
Second Reading: Hebrews 5: 1-6
Gospel Reading: Mark 10: 46-52

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. In this passage Jeremiah gives a message of hope for the people of Israel and an assurance that the Lord God will lead them back to their promised land and restore eventually its lost glory.

   * Second reading is from the letter of Hebrews. This passage tells us that in Jesus Christ we have a compassionate High Priest who is able to deal gently with the ignorant and the wayward. He is able to understand our weaknesses and failures. He offers up our gifts and sacrifices to God on our behalf.

"Bartimaeus gained his sight and followed Jesus"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. This passage has a vivid narration of the dramatic healing of Bartimaeus the blind beggar from Jericho. The narrative is like a one act play with seven scenes - rather seven verses. In the first verse, Jesus is leaving Jericho for His final journey to Jerusalem. In the second verse Bartimaeus hears that Jesus of Nazareth the divine healer is passing by the street. Realizing that this was a chance of a life time, he cried aloud, "Jesus son of David, have mercy on me". It is the cry of a desperate man for urgent help.
In the third verse, the people rebuke him and tell him to keep quiet. But Bartimaeus shouted aloud that Jesus may hear his plea. In our moments of despair, when we cry aloud to God, God invariably hears our cry. In the fourth verse, Jesus stops and calls for Bartimaeus. Jesus wants us too to stop and help those who are helpless and those sitting at the way side of life looking for help.
In the fifth verse, Bartimaeus responds to Jesus' call with enthusiasm. But in our case often we are lethargic to respond to the call of God. In the sixth verse Jesus asks a very key question to the blind man. "What do you want me to do for you?" And he responded by saying, "Lord let me see".
Finally in the seventh verse, Jesus healed him and commended his exemplary faith. Bartimeaus on his part followed Jesus.
This miracle story has some deep spiritual implications for us. It is a powerful example of how we should make use of our opportunities, grasp them and take hold of them until we receive what we need from God. As Bartimaeus had an irresistible desire to be healed we too need such determination in our lives.
This miracle should help us in the following ways:
a. To be persistent in our requests to God.
b. To have the faith for such requests.
c. A desire to express our gratitude when God answers our prayers.
Today Lord Jesus is stopping by and inviting us to Himself and He is ready to restore our lost sight and to heal us. May the good Lord bring light into our hearts.

Twenty Sixth Sunday of the Year :B: September 30, 2018

"HE WHO IS NOT AGAINST US IS FOR US"

First Reading : Numbers 11:55-59
Second Reading: James 5: 1-6
Gospel Reading: Mark 9: 38-43, 47-48

   * First reading is from the book of Numbers. This passage speaks of God's Spirit descending on seventy elders of Israel and how they were empowered to prophesy. However two men who were not in that group, Elad and Medad  too received the gift  and they too were able to prophesy . Joshua who was ministering to Moses was upset and he wanted Moses to forbid these two men from prophesying. But Moses told Joshua that it is not right to be jealous of God's gifts. He took a more positive approach that "if only all the Lord's people were prophets that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them".

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. James. In this passage the Apostle warns us that our ill-gotten wealth gained by oppressing labourers and harvesters will  be an evidence against us before the Lord. He further adds that everyone who lives in luxury and pleasure will be answerable if they do not share their wealth with the poor and the needy.

"Respecting people of different beliefs"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. The theme of this passage is tolerance as expressed by Jesus. John, one of the twelve Apostles, told Jesus about a man casting out demons in His name and that he had forbidden this man because he was not a follower of Jesus. After listening to John, Jesus expressed His disapproval about John's action. He corrected him and told him, "He who is not against us is with us". Hence Jesus took a more positive view that instead of discouraging that person, he should be encouraged. 
We have an important lesson from the Lord from this incident. We should appreciate and encourage all those who do good in the world around us no matter whether they belong to our community/ ethnic group or of different faiths. We should be open to the Spirit of God and recognize the work of God through them. 
In the second part of today's Gospel Jesus warns us that anyone who leads the little ones to sin will be severely punished. Crimes against children are on the rise. Jesus further added that even an essential organ of our body like the eye or the hand is a cause of sin, we should not hesitate to get rid of it rather than face eternal damnation.
"On our part there must be no pride or arrogance, no contempt or lack of reverence for people of different beliefs" - 2nd Vatican Council 
"The love of one's country is a natural thing. But why should we stop at the border?" -Anon

Twenty Fifth Sunday of the Year :B: September 23, 2018

"THE WISDOM OF GOD"

First Reading: Wisdom 2: 12, 17-20
Second Reading: James ch 3:16 to ch.4 :3
Gospel Reading: Mark 9: 30-37

   * First reading is from the book of Wisdom. This passage explains to us about the evil designs of the godless who plot against the righteous and upright people. The just man is inconvenient to them because he stands against their evil plans. So they want to do away with him. 

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. James. In this passage the Apostle pinpoints the causes of divisions and fights whether it is within a family or within a community or between nations. Jealousy and selfishness lead us to do vile practices. But we should strive for wisdom from above which is pure and peaceable and brings good fruits. 

"Being the first and the last"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. In this passage we see the sharp differences in perception between Jesus and that of His disciples. After Peter declared that Jesus is the anointed one, the Messiah, Jesus explained to them the meaning of Messiah the anointed one. When he told them that the Messiah has to suffer and die and after three days will rise again, the disciples could not accept such an idea and totally rejected it. They were more concerned about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Jesus.
Knowing their thoughts Jesus told them plainly about the true greatness in His Kingdom. He said,"whoever wants to be first among them has to be the last of all and be the servant of all" Hence for Jesus true greatness is in serving others. May be many of us are like the disciples and measure greatness according to the standards of the world. Often we are not able to appreciate (true) greatness according to the standards of Jesus.
Today Jesus is inviting us to be part of His Kingdom by being at the service of others. Jesus has given us the example of washing the feet of His disciples and sharing His own life with us. 
Many saints have followed this teaching of Jesus. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and St. Francis Assisi are prime examples of serving the poorest of the poor. They have shown us how to be truly great in the Kingdom of God. 
Now it is our turn to accept Jesus' invitation to achieve true greatness.

Twenty Fourth Sunday of the Year:B: September 16, 2018

    "THE REAL IDENTITY OF JESUS":
         'Who do you say that I am?'

First Reading: Isaiah 50: 5-9
Second Reading: James 2: 14-18
Gospel Reading: Mark 8: 27-35

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. This passage describes the sufferings and the rejection experienced by Isaiah from the people of Israel. He assures us that although people try to disgrace and harm him in every way, the one who trusts in the Lord will not be harmed in any way. He affirms that God vindicates and protects such a person. This passage alludes to the rejection of the suffering servant of the Lord God. It also points to Christ who will undergo all manner of sufferings.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. James. In this passage the Apostle exhorts the Christian community that faith itself is of no use if that faith is not accompanied by action. He gives the specific example of a person who is hungry and that of another who needs clothing. It is not enough to say to such a person, be filled or to the other, be warmed and we do not make any effort to give the person food or clothing. So our faith should be seen in action.

"Confession of St. Peter: 'You are the Christ the Messiah'"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. In this passage Jesus gives us some important clarifications about Himself and His mission. On His way to the village Caesarea Phillippi, Jesus put a very vital question to His disciples. "Who do men say that I am?" In response, disciples gave various answers: some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah or one of the ancient prophets etc. Then Jesus put a very personal question to His disciples. "Who do you say that I am?" Immediately St. Peter confessed "You are the Christ - the Messiah - the anointed one of God".
Subsequently Jesus tried to explain to the disciples what it means to be the Messiah or Christ. It would mean that He has to suffer much and die. The disciples could never understand or appreciate such an answer. Hence they vehemently protested saying, such a thing should never happen. Then Jesus explained to them that to be His disciple would mean that one should take up one's cross and follow Him.
Jesus is putting the same question to each one of us as He  put the question to His disciples. Each of one has to make a personal decision regarding who Jesus is for him/her.
To be part of Jesus' life would mean that we have to die to our selfishness and pride every day of our lives. 

Twenty Third Sunday of the Year:B: September 9, 2018

             "EPHPHETHA : BE OPENED"

First Reading: Isaiah 35:4-7a
Second Reading: James 2: 1-5
Gospel Reading: Mark 7: 31-37

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage the Prophet speaks about the future changes that will take place by the power of the Lord God. He assures the people of Israel that the Lord God will save His people. He tells them that the blind, the deaf, the lame and the dumb will be healed by the power of the Lord God.

  * Second reading is from the letter of St. James. In this passage, the Apostle exhorts the members of the Christian community not to be partial to anyone because they are rich or poor. He reminds us that earthly wealth or high position are no criterion for distinction in the community. All are equal before God. 

"He even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. This passage describes in detail how Jesus healed a deaf and dumb man. During His public ministry, Jesus healed many people. Thus the prophecy of Isaiah found its fulfillment in Jesus. In the Gospel a deaf and dumb man was brought to Jesus so that He may heal him. Jesus took him aside to a secluded place and put His finger into the man's ears. Then Jesus spat and touched his tongue. Later Jesus commanded "Ephphetha" which means, be opened. Immediately the deaf and dumb man was healed and he was able to hear clearly and speak fluently.
Hearing and speech are gifts of God. Jesus felt compassion for the man who had lacked these gifts. By His words Jesus restored those lost faculties and made him whole. Now it is our turn to realize that Jesus is able to restore all our lost powers, unused and unrecognized talents once we put our trust in the Lord. The touch of our divine Master continues to transform our lives.
"At our own baptism, we were all touched on the ear and the mouth. In this way, we are in the story and are invited to see ourselves in the man who was cured" - Biblical resources. 
"I alone cannot do anything. Jesus alone will not do anything. Jesus and I do everything" - St. Teresa of Avila. 

Twenty Second Sunday of the Year:B: September 2,2018

"LIP SERVICE TO GOD AND MEN"

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-8
Second Reading: James 1:17-18, 21-22,27
Gospel Reading: Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23

   * First reading is from the book of Deuteronomy. In this passage Moses exhorts the people of Israel to follow the statutes and ordinances of the Lord and keep the commandments. They were told not to add or deduct anything from them. As a wise and understanding people, they have to follow them in letter and spirit.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. James. In this passage, the Apostle reminds us that God can be loved and served only through our love for fellow humankind: especially by serving the poor and the orphans and the widows and the needy. He tells us that we have to be doers of the word and not merely hearers. That way we will be doing the will of God.

"You leave the commandments of God and hold fast to traditions"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. In this passage Jesus confronts the Pharisees and the Scribes who accused His disciples of not keeping the traditions and practices of the Jews. This was told in the context of His disciples eating food without washing their hands as the Jewish custom was. According to their traditions they were expected to wash their hands before eating any food. Jesus went on to explain that what really make us impure is not what we eat or drink: that which goes into the stomach but rather, what comes out of our heart: that is evil thoughts, desires, fornication, theft, murder and adultery.
Jesus is inviting us to have a close look at our set practices and observed traditions. He wants us to have a conversion of heart that will lead us to God experience. Let us not waste our precious lives in trivial matters but give importance to the essentials of life. It is not enough to do lip service to God and fellow humans but rather by concrete actions which comes from our hearts (cf. James Ch. 1)
"Serving the poor is serving God" - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
" The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" - Mahatma Gandhi. 

Twenty first Sunday of the Year:B: August 26, 2018

"LORD , YOU HAVE THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE"

First Reading: Joshua 24: 1-2, 15-18
Second Reading: Ephesians 5: 25-32
Gospel Reading: John 6: 60-69

   * First reading is from the book of Joshua. In this passage Joshua asks the people of Israel to decide either to serve the Lord their God or other gods. The chosen people affirmed their firm faith in the Lord God and decided to serve the true God who liberated them from the slavery of Egypt and who in the past did great signs and wonders in their midst.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. In this passage Paul speaks of the mutual love and respect between husband and wife. He compares this relationship of husband and wife to Christ's love for the Church. As members of His body, we are constantly being nourished by Christ. In the same way husband and wife should nourish each other in love.

"Will you also go away?"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John, Chapter 6. This passage is in the context of the sad turn of events after the multiplication bread by Jesus. After the miracle, Jesus gave a teaching that unless they eat His body and drink His blood, they will not have life. People took this teaching literally. As a result, many who followed Jesus till that day said goodbye and went away.
Seeing the negative reaction of the crowd Jesus put a challenging question to the Apostles. "Will you also go away?" Peter responded immediately and gave a very reassuring and important answer which spoke of the need to stick to Jesus and His teachings by saying "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life". In moments of doubts and confusion, let us be assured that it is not the Lord who leaves us, but often we who leave Him.
Right from the time of Jesus till today, the teaching on Eucharist remains a dividing force. Even today many of the followers of Christ are unable to accept it and those who accept it are often unworthy to receive it. This fact is expressed by St. Paul in his first letter to Corinthians. "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? We who are many are one body for we all partake of the one bread" (1 Cor. 10: 16-17)
Now it is our turn to tell the Lord "Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life".
Let our prayer always be, 'draw us closer to you, O Lord, so that we may follow you in love and trust'.

Twentieth Sunday of the Year :B: August 19,2018

    "JESUS THE GIVER OF ETERNAL LIFE"

First Reading: Proverbs 9:1-6
Second Reading: Ephesians 5: 15-20
Gospel Reading: John 6:51-58

   * First reading is from the book of Proverbs. This passage personifies Wisdom as a great Lady who has built herself a great mansion. Wisdom invites everyone who is open minded to take part in the banquet given by her. Wisdom wants  to teach people to walk in the way of insight.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. In this passage Ephesian Christians and all of us are urged by Paul to live according to the Christian wisdom they received. He asks them not to be foolish and live unworthy ways but rather be filled with the Holy Spirit and always live with  hearts grateful to the Lord.

"Jesus is the Living Bread"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John, Chapter 6. In this passage we have the teaching on Eucharist by our Lord Jesus. His teaching on Eucharist was rather extraordinary and not so easily understood by the people. For a Jew to eat the body and drink the blood of a person was unthinkable and totally repugnant. Hence when Jesus told them that "the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh", many of them protested saying "how can this man give us his flesh to eat?"
The teaching of real presence of the Lord in the Eucharist was culminated at the last supper, where Jesus said to the disciples, "This is my body...this is my blood given for you": which was not easy to accept except in deep faith. But for a true follower of Jesus, there is no option but to accept the real presence of the Lord in the Eucharist. Jesus clearly warns us in these words, "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you"(v.53)
Hence by partaking in the Eucharistic meal, a true believer is in communion with the Lord. The early Christian community understood it. That is why St. John specifically explains this teaching in the sixth Chapter of his Gospel. Let us appreciate this self gift of the Lord Jesus and accept that He is truly present in the Eucharistic bread.
"Jesus has made Himself the Bread of life to give us life" - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Eleventh Sunday of the Year :B: June 17, 2018

"PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM"

First Reading : Ezekiel 17: 22-34
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10
Gospel Reading: Mark 4 : 26-34

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. In this passage Ezekiel speaks about the downfall of Jerusalem. He compares the King and the people of Judah to a small cutting of a tall tree which God will take and plant on Mount Zion. Thus the Prophet gives hope of restoration of the Kingdom that will be brought about by a member of the chosen race. He also mentions that in future Messiah will set up a universal Kingdom.

   * Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. In this passage Paul asks the Christians in Corinth to be courageous in the face of death. He says that his priority at all times is to please the Lord. Hence he has no fears of appearing before the Lord. He exhorts them to lead a life pleasing to the Lord so that they can expect the reward at the end of their lives.

"The Kingdom of God....is like a Grain of Mustard Seed"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. In this passage, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God through two parables. In the first parable, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to what happens when a seed is sown by a farmer. Once the seed is sown, the farmer waits for harvest time. The cycle of growth follows but the farmer does not know how it happens. Apparently nothing seems to be happening yet the miracle of growth is taking place. Just as the harvest comes in its own time, so the Kingdom will reach its completion in God's appointed time. It is God's Kingdom not of our own making.
In the second parable Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed which is very small in size but grows into a large shrub which gives shelter to birds of the air. In this parable Jesus makes a contrast between the smallness of the seed and the luxurious growth of the plant. Small beginnings can make for mighty achievements. Littleness is no index of importance in God's Kingdom. The small mustard seed grows to become a shelter for the birds of the air.
So also the Kingdom of God grows slowly to envelop the whole world. In the same way, no matter how small our efforts may be as small as a mustard seed, to promote Christian values, God will multiply them with His hidden power to bring about  wonderful results. All we need to do is to trust in the power of God. We may not necessarily see those results immediately. But Jesus assures us through the parables that they will happen in our own times.
As the saying goes:
"Where will tomorrow's trees come from?
From the shoots we plant today.
Where will tomorrow's justice and peace get their start?
From the seeds we sow with our hearts today"
Let the grain of mustard seed grow to shelter the birds of the air!

Tenth Sunday of the Year:B: June 10,2018

"A DIVIDED KINGDOM CANNOT STAND"

First Reading: Genesis 3: 9-15
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1
Gospel Reading: Mark 3: 20-35

   * First reading is from the book of Genesis. This passage speaks about the fall of first parents Adam and Eve. It elaborates the effects of the fall for the  whole humankind. Adam and Eve were tempted by Satan and fell. The consequences were tragic. When asked by the Lord God the Man blamed the Woman and the Woman on her part blamed the serpent. This blame game goes on endlessly in the world after the first sin.

   * Second reading is from the Second letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. This passage speaks about the numerous trials of Paul. In the midst of his sufferings Paul looks forward to a future world in which God will provide us with a permanent dwelling place instead of the present temporary world. The idea of resurrection of the dead is expressed by Paul in this passage.

"A Kingdom Divided Against itself Cannot Stand"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. In this passage some serious accusations are leveled against Jesus by Scribes. Jesus during His public ministry was much busy with preaching, teaching and healing. This brought opposition from His family members. They thought He is out of His mind and they tried to bring home forcefully.
Then the Scribes accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus refuted them by telling " If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand." He made further clarification by saying about the unforgivable sin. He told them "whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven." This was told in the context of the Scribe's stubborn refusal to accept that Jesus worked miracles by the power of God.
In the final part of today's Gospel Jesus makes it clear what are His priorities. His family ties, blood relationship are secondary to His mission. So He told "whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother''.
Hence when we listen to the Spirit of God and do the works of God we become blood relatives of the Lord. 

The Feast of Corpus Christi:: B : June 3, 2018

"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 detailed 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 was a pre-figuration 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 redemption.

"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 the 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 the Son of God. In the Eucharist we are sharing in the very life of Christ in totality. Therefore, the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ gives us an opportunity to be thankful for the most precious gift of the Eucharist and 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 challenges us to live up to the expectations of Jesus who is abiding in us.
"At the time of communion not only we receive Jesus but Jesus also receives us as the member of His body" - St. Pope John Paul II

Feast of the Most Holy Trinity : B ; May 27,2018

THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT:TRINITY

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4: 32-34, 39-40
Second Reading : Romans 8: 14-27
Gospel Reading: Matthew 28: 16-20

   * First reading is from the book of Deuteronomy. In this passage, Moses reminds the people of Israel of the great and wonderful things the Lord God has done in their lives. God has protected them with a mighty hand. Hence it is absolutely important to follow the commandments of the Lord God in order to enjoy the fullness of life given by the Lord God.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. In this passage, Paul explains to the Christians in Rome and to us that by the fact that Holy Spirit is present in us, we are made children of the Father. The Holy Spirit enables us to call God,"Abba Father". The Holy Spirit also makes us fellow heirs with Christ.

"The Mystery of one God: Three Persons"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew . In this passage, Jesus instructs His disciples to baptize people and make them disciples in the name of Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The mystery of Trinity reveals to us three different faces of God.
1.There is the face of God as Father, the beginning and the end of all, the creator and ruler. He is not only the God we obey through the commandments, but also the God we address as "Our Father".
2. There is the face of God as Son, the redeemer. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, the Divine Word of God who took on human nature so as to bring salvation to the humankind.
3. There is the face of God as Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the comforter who is always with us, the paracilte who teaches us and guides us.
St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians speaks of the trinitarian God working in us. "There are various gifts but the same Spirit, and there are various services but the same Lord and there are varieties of working but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one" 1 Cor. 12: 4-6.
On this Feast of the Most Holy Trinity let us rejoice and say, "We have a Father who cares about us. We have a Brother who died for us. And we have a Spirit, a comforter who will guide us to the shores of eternity". Praise be to the Holy Triune God.

Pentecost Sunday :B: 20th May 2018

"DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT"

First Reading : Acts 2: 1-11
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 3-7 , 12-13
Gospel Reading: John 20: 19-23

   * First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. This passage gives us a vivid and forceful account of the happenings on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem.
The following details are mentioned.
1. There was a rush of a mighty wind and appearance of tongues of fire on each of the Apostles present. All of them were filled with the mighty power of the Holy Spirit. 2. They received the gift of tongues and were able to speak in other languages. Everyone present was able to hear in their own native language.
The mighty wind and tongues of fire are expressions of the powerful way in which the Spirit of God came down on the day of Pentecost. Speaking in different languages points to the fact that all man made barriers between humankind due to languages, culture and other differences are removed by the mighty presence of the Holy Spirit and God's community is united in the Spirit.

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul explains to the Christians in Corinth and us that the Holy Spirit gives various gifts to the members of the community. But these gifts are for the common good. Hence by the  Holy Spirit all of us are baptised into the one body of Christ.

"Receive The Holy Spirit"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. In this passage the Risen Lord's appearance to the disciples gathered in a closed upper room is narrated. After greeting them with words of peace and showing them His pierced hands and side, the Risen Lord breathed on them and blessed them saying "Receive the Holy Spirit".
According to biblical understanding, the wind and the Spirit signifies the breath of God. Hence Pentecost signifies a new creation and a beginning. Thus the Pentecost is the 'Birthday of the Church'.
We too need the Holy Spirit in order to live as Christians in this challenging world of today. On this Pentecost, let us pray 'Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us'.

Feast of Ascension : B : May 13,2018

       "ASCENSION OF JESUS INTO HEAVEN"

First Reading : Acts 1:1-11
Second Reading: Ephesians 1: 17-23
Gospel Reading: Mark 16: 15-20

   * First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. This passage gives us a description of the apparitions of Jesus on various occasions after being raised from death. After a period of forty days, Jesus ascended to heaven and promised His disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit upon them and they shall witness to Him in Jerusalem, in Judea and in Sameria and to the ends of the world. As they were listening to Him, Jesus was lifted up to heaven and a cloud took Him out of their sight.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. In this passage Paul explains the meaning of Ascension to the Ephesian Christians. He asserts that God raised Jesus above all earthly powers and made Him not only head of the Church but the the Lord of whole creation. Those who believe in Him will accomplish great things.

"Lord Jesus was Taken into Heaven"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. This passage tells us that after instructing the disciples, Jesus was taken up to Heaven and He sat down at the right hand of God. Further, that day Jesus commissioned His disciples to carry on the work that he began. Ascension of Jesus tells us that Jesus is no more physically present among the disciples. But now on they have to proclaim the good news to the whole world in His name.
The Feast of Ascension should gives us hope of a life after death and strengthen us by the abiding presence of Jesus among the disciples.
The following messages are given by this feast.
1. The Risen Lord is now in His glory and is seated at the right hand of God the Father.
2. Jesus assures us that after His ascension He will send the Holy Spirit to guide us.
3. Jesus promises us that even after being ascended into heaven, He will continue to be with us till the end of the world (a) by the Word of God (b) by His sacramental presence in the Holy Eucharist.
4. Jesus' ascension gives us the hope that one day all those who believe in Him will participate in His glory.