The Feast of Epiphany: B: January 3, 2021

 THE VISIT OF THE THREE WISE MEN 

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6

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

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2: 1-12

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. This passage refers to the joyful return of the people in exile to the holy city of Jerusalem. They find their beloved Jerusalem in ruins. Isaiah encourages them and cheers them up with a vision of a future restored city. The second part of the passage is about the final pilgrimage of the people of God to the heavenly Jerusalem. This prophecy of Isaiah has some echoes in today's feast of Epiphany. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. In this passage Paul explains to the Christian community in Ephesus that God invites the Jews and Gentiles to share on an equal footing the salvation brought by Christ. The feast of Epiphany reminds us of God's invitation to all people to be part of the salvific event without any distinction of social standing or place of origin. The Church is complete only when both Jews and gentiles live in harmony as members of the body of Christ. 

Epiphany : The manifestation of the Lord.                                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. This passage gives us an account of how the three wise men from the east came to pay homage to infant Jesus at Bethlehem. They paid homage and offered their precious gifts to the divine child. Jewish leaders ignored or rejected the infant in the manger and some of them even plotted to kill him. These three men left their homeland in search of the child. This story of the three wise men is a story of all genuine faith seekers. They left  everything precious to them and were guided by a star. They diligently searched for the child Jesus till they found the child and His mother. When they found Him they worshipped Him. Thus the Gospel story gives us three important messages: 1. It speaks of the journey of the three wise men from the east to Jerusalem. This journey of theirs is a symbol of search for truth by genuine seekers of God. 2. The meeting between the wise men and King Herod tells us that people in authority and power try to suppress and even destroy God's messengers for their own selfish reasons. 3. The wise men paying homage to child Jesus is a touching story of all moments of grace and their total surrender to the Almighty.

  

Feast of Holy Family : B: December 27, 2020

 HOLY FAMILY : A MODEL FAMILY

First Reading: Ecclesiastes 3: 2-6 and 12-14

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 12-21

Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 22-40

   * First reading is from the book of Ecclesiastes. A brief description regarding the obligations of children towards their parents is narrated. Honouring of parents brings great blessings to the offspring. Children are instructed to take care of their parents in their old age with understanding and forbearance. Hence the commandment of honouring one's father and mother is not merely restricted to obeying them when one is young but also caring for them in their old age. 

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. Paul gives some advices and guidance  for an ideal Christian family life. He mentions those great virtues like compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience. Above all these he says, put on love which is the perfect binding force for the family. He advises husbands not to be harsh with their wives and children. These advises and guideline are very much applicable even in the twenty first century. 

Child Jesus presented in the Jerusalem temple                                         Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. A detailed account of the presentation of child Jesus in the Jerusalem temple is narrated. We are reminded that parents of Jesus followed everything that the law commanded them to do. The presence of two benevolent old people is also mentioned. Prophet Simeon and prophetess Anna were present at that time. They had lived prayerful lives of faith and hope. They waited in eager expectation of the Messiah. Being wise and guided by the Holy Spirit they recognized the moment of grace: the coming of the divine child in the temple. They were greatly privileged to hold the divine child in their arms and give praise and thanks to God for the great blessings they have received as well as for the blessings for the whole world through this child.                                              It is also mentioned that after the purification ceremony Holy Family returned to Nazareth to continue their lives in a simple and humble way. 

Holy Family is a model for all families in adhering to the will of God. 

Christmas :B: December 25, 2020

 THE BIRTH OF JESUS 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. Isaiah speaks about the messianic hope of a saviour who will  rescue the people of God 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 finds its fulfilment at the birth of Jesus the Lord and Saviour. 

   *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 salvation of humankind. He encourages us to live sober and righteous lives because God in Christ has brought about salvation for us. 

Silent night, Holy night......A Saviour is born.                                                  Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. It gives us a beautiful and touching description about the birth of our Lord Jesus on that holy night at Bethlehem. It is the story of beautiful Angels, shepherds taking care of their flocks , mother Mary and child Jesus in the manger. The Christmas story unlike other stories is based on a historical event: the birth of Jesus in space and time. God's unending love for humankind is deeply and personally expressed in the birth of Jesus. His love is inviting all of us to the manger. The shepherds responded to the invitation at the first Christmas night. When Jesus was born in the manger the humble Shepherds were able to meet Him and receive His blessings. The child Jesus in the manger is inviting every one of us. The Angels sang :"Glory tp God in the highest! Peace to men of goodwill".

Merry Christmas!

May the Divine Child Bless You.

Fourth Sunday of Advent: B: December 20, 2020

      ACCEPTING THE WILL OF GOD

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7: 1-6, 8-12 and 14-16

Second Reading : Romans 16: 25-27

Gospel Reading: Luke 1: 26-28

   * First reading is from the second book of Prophet Samuel. God' reveals to Prophet Nathan His plan regarding King David and his dynasty. King David wanted to build a house for the Lord God and he consulted Prophet Nathan regarding his wish. That night the Lord God revealed His plan to Nathan that it will be the Lord God who will build a house for David forever. By sending His only Son Jesus to be born in David's lineage the Lord God fulfilled His promise to the King that his kingdom would be forever.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul instructs the Christian community in Rome and us that God's plan of salvation for Jews and Gentiles has come to fulfillment in Christ. It is up to us to proclaim that good news to all nations. 

"Behold the handmaid of the Lord."                                                                   Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The annunciation of the birth of the Lord Jesus is narrated in detail. The meeting of Mary and the Angel Gabriel is an illustration of the living faith of Mary. She gives her consent to become the mother of the redeemer though she hardly understood the significance and the depth of her 'Yes". Hence Mary became a special instrument in the hands of God. Mary has a unique role to play in the salvation history. But Mary was asked to put her freedom and her whole person at the service of the plan to God. The difference between Mary and us is not that Mary was chosen while we are not: rather it is that she fully consented to be chosen for her role while we remain hesitant and half-hearted in our responses to God.                                               Like Mary, God invites each one of us during this season of Advent and tells us 'Rejoice, highly favoured for I have chosen you to live a holy and loving life.'  Let us positively respond to this invitation of God as we  are preparing for the coming of the Lord Jesus at Christmas. 

"Mary, full of Grace, conceived Jesus in her heart before she conceived Him in her womb. She was so attuned to the spiritual that the spiritual readily became physical within her." - St. Augustine.

Third Sunday of Advent: B: December 13, 2020

 REJOICE! THE LORD IS COMING.

 First Reading: Isaiah 61: 1-2 and 10-11

Second   Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24

Gospel Reading: John 1: 6-8 and 19-28

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah announces that he had been anointed by the Lord God and sent to bring good news to the poor. He conveys a message of great hope to all those who live in hopelessness and despair. It is the Spirit of God present in us that enables us to carry the message of salvation to the poor. Later Jesus also quotes this passage from Isaiah to announce the programme of His ministry. 

   * Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians. Paul urges the Christian community of Thessalonika and all of us that we should rejoice always and pray constantly and show our gratitude to God for all the gifts and blessings we have received from Him. We should not despise the spiritual gifts but be earnest in doing good and avoiding evil. In this way we ought to live as we wait for the second coming of the Lord. 

John the Baptist a witness to the light                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. We meet John the Baptist who makes it abundantly clear that he is not the Messiah. John bore witness to the Light. That Light was Jesus Christ. But what a wonderful witness John was! He witnessed not only with his words but especially through his deeds and a life of total renunciation. When the Light finally appeared, John was quite content to fade away from the scene and let Christ take over. This indeed was a wonderful way of witnessing.                                            Today for many people Christ has become a very dim and distant figure. He is being constantly overshadowed by the powerful electronic media, man's greed and a world constantly projecting itself and slowly making God some kind of an appendix. The words of John the Baptist are very much true today. "There stands one among you whom you don't know."  Prophet Isaiah had told long ago, "The Lord has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and to open the prison to those who are bound." This prophecy of Isaiah can become a reality only when we become effective witnesses to Christ the Light. Hence the third week of Advent invites us to be witnesses of Christ the Lord. 

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Video reflection for 3rd Sunday of advent                   

Second Sunday of Advent: B: December 6,2020

 PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD

First Reading: Isaiah 40: 1-5 and 9-11

Second  Reading: 2 Peter 3: 8-14

Gospel Reading: Mark 1: 1-8

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about the great blessings the Lord God is going to bring in the lives of His chosen people when they return from Babylonian captivity. They are urged to prepare the way of the Lord and make straight a highway for the Lord by leveling the mountains and hills and all uneven grounds. This theme of how to prepare the way of the Lord is explained and expanded in today's Gospel reading. 

   * Second reading is from the second letter of St. Peter. Peter speaks about the second coming of the Lord Jesus. At His coming Christ will establish a new heaven and a new earth. For that we should prepare ourselves by living our lives in holiness and godliness. The Apostle warns us that if the Lord appears to be slow in coming, it is only for all people to have a chance to repent and be ready to meet Him when He comes. 

John the Baptist : The voice of the one crying in the desert.                                            Today's Gospel reading is from the first chapter of St. Mark. It introduces and elaborates the mission and life of John the Baptist. John announces the imminent coming of the Saviour and all people are invited to prepare for His coming. Later he introduces Jesus to the people. John worked no miracles; held no office of repute. He did not belong to any influential group of that time. Yet his importance to Jesus was very unique. He is the only religious leader whom Jesus sought and spoke with affection and admiration. He is described as a voice crying in the wilderness. John introduces Jesus as someone who is more powerful than he. John understands that his importance is precisely because of the greatness of Jesus.                                                                             John is challenging all of us during this advent to prepare the way of the Lord and to foster greatness in others without feeling threatened about our own importance. John was a voice crying in the wilderness, a lonely voice that many chose to ignore. Today also there are many lonely voices in this world that go unheeded.

"Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God's own love and concern." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

"When you journey through Advent to Christmas, you begin to see Jesus more fully. You recognize that His incarnation was the beginning of the redemption." - Glenn P.

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Video Reflection for 2nd Sunday of Advent.

    

First Sunday of Advent :B: November 29, 2020

                       WATCH AND PRAY

First Reading: Isaiah 63: 16-17, 19 and 64: 1 and 3-8

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Gospel Reading: Mark 13: 33-37

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah laments over the sad state of the chosen people of God who had returned from the exile in Babylon. He recalls the Lord God's past goodness to His people. The Prophet prays that the heavens may be rent open and the saviour come among His people. This prayer is echoed in the liturgy during this holy season of Advent. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul  thanks  God for all the graces the people of Corinth have received in the past. He earnestly urges them to remain faithful and sinless as they await the return of the Lord Jesus. Paul assures the Christian community at Corinth and all of us that as they/we await the coming of Christ in glory the Holy Spirit keeps them/us steadfast in bearing witness to Him. 

Stay awake                                                           Advent marks the beginning of our journey of a new liturgical year. It calls us to wake up and look at our relationship with God. We are His servants in whom He has placed His enormous trust.                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. We have a short little parable for our reflection. It is about a householder who goes on a long journey. Before leaving he called his servants and gave each of them a job to do. He urged them to be responsible and not to fall asleep. He singled out the doorkeeper and told him: "When I return I want to find you awake."                                                   Christ's story ends there with that warning ringing in our ears. Let us take this story a little further: concentrating only on the doorkeeper. Perhaps the greatest danger facing him is not so much that he may fall asleep on the job but rather it will become just another job and nothing more. A person can get used to anything and complacency follows.                                                                                                       Advent invites us to wait in joyful hope for the coming of our saviour Jesus Christ. 

"The surest road to hell is the gradual one." - C.S. Lewis.

 *"Sunday Homilies with Fr. Joy Joseph SVD" is available on YouTube from the first Sunday of Advent, 29th November, 2020. Kindly subscribe to it.

Video reflection: 1st Sunday of Advent:B

Thirty Fourth Sunday of the Year :B: Feast of Christ the King : November 22, 2020

THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE: JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD

 First Reading: Ezekiel 39: 11-12 and 15-17

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 20-26 and 28

Gospel Reading: Matthew 25: 31-45

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel portrays God not as a judge of His chosen 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. Paul explains to the Christian community at Corinth about the resurrection of Christ. He assures the community and us that Christ is the conqueror of every authority and power in the world. At the end of times He will handover the kingdom to the Heavenly Father after destroying the last enemy that is death. He also assures us that Christ's resurrection is the proof and the guarantee of our own resurrection from the dead.

Christ the universal King                                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The last judgement scene is described in detail. On judgement day Jesus will come as a judge and separate the good and the evil. The King and the judge will tell those on his righthand -those who are blessed - as you did it to one of the least of my brothers and sisters you did it to me. Those admitted to His kingdom are not people who have done anything spectacular in the eyes of the world. The requirements to be part of the kingdom of Christ is very simple and does not go beyond the capacity of any ordinary person. For Christ, simple human graciousness and charity are ground enough to be welcome 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 the poor and the needy. Hence if we want to honour our King, we must do something for 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.

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First Sunday of Advent 1B ; 

 https://youtu.be/ky288RDFFJg

Thirty Third Sunday of the Year: A: November 15, 2020

         FAITHFULNESS IN ONE'S DUTY

First Reading: Proverbs 31: 10-13, 19-20 and 30-31

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Gospel Reading: Matthew 25: 14-30

   * First reading is from the book of Proverbs. A description about an ideal wife is narrated. She is hard working, a support to the husband and charitable to the poor and the needy. Hence such a person is more precious and valuable than any jewels that can be acquired. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. Paul exhorts the Christian community at Thessalonika to be always ready for the second coming of the Lord Jesus. It will be unexpected and sudden like that of the coming of a thief at night. He invites the community at Thessalonika and all of us that as we are children of the light let us keep awake for the coming of our Lord and Master.

The parable of the talents                                                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The parable of the talents is narrated. In the parable there are three servants and each of them is given a certain amount of money by their Master to make use of it. Later the Master went on a long journey. The first and the second are industrious. However the third servant is lazy and a man of excuses. On his return the Master calls all three and asks for an account of the money he had entrusted to them. Each of them gives an account of what they had done with the Master's money. The first servant and the second are praised for their hard work and shrewdness as they had multiplied their talents and added returns to their master. But the third servant is severely chastised for his laziness and lack of resourcefulness as he simply buried his talent and did not let it be productive.                              Jesus told this parable to explain to us how we need to  make use of our God-given abilities and talents in our lives. The parable is certainly not about making money or about accumulating wealth for oneself. Through this parable Jesus is telling us about using our precious time and God given gifts and grow as children of God and useful members of the society. It is by living that we discover our talents and it is by using them that we grow.                         In spite of some negative touch, the parable has a lot of positive and encouraging aspects. Two out of three servants heard those magic words from the Master. "Well done." To all who are doing their best - to live good lives- the Lord is speaking those words of encouragement. "Well done, good and faithful servant." Hence the parable reveals the trust, the confidence and the generosity of God towards each one of us. We are invited to respond to it. 

"It is more important to be faithful than to be successful." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. 

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Sunday Homilies with Fr. Joy Joseph SVD

Thirty Second Sunday of the Year: A : November 8, 2020

         BEING WISE AND PRUDENT

First Reading: Wisdom 6: 12-16

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18

Gospel Reading: Matthew 25: 1-19

   *First reading is from the book of Wisdom. Wisdom is personified and praised. The author instructs us that Wisdom can be found by all those who seek her. Wisdom is discerned by those who love her. Further it adds that those who are worthy of Wisdom will find her.

   * Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians. Paul consoles the people of Thessalonika who were worried about the fate of their loved ones who have died. He assures them and us that God will raise them up as He raised up Christ. Paul speaks about the second coming of Christ which will be sudden and unexpected. Only those who have been eagerly waiting for Him and preparing themselves to meet Him will have the joy of His presence. 

The parable of the ten virgins                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. We have the parable of the ten virgins for our reflection. It speaks about a wedding celebration where ten virgins went to meet the bridegroom with their lamps as was the custom of that time in Palestine. Out of the ten, five were foolish who did not take extra oil for their lamps. However the other five were wise and they took extra oil for their lamps. The bridegroom and party arrived late at night. When the bridegroom came the foolish ones could not light their lamps because they did not have oil with them. As a result they could not join the marriage party. On the other hand the wise virgins had their lamps lit with the oil they had carried along and they joined the marriage party.                          This parable warns us that there are certain things in the world which cannot be obtained at the last minute as it happened in the case of the foolish virgins. Further it tells us that we should keep awake and be ready when the Lord come into our lives - it may be at an unexpected hour. Finally the parable tells us that there are certain things which we cannot borrow. The foolish virgins found it impossible to borrow oil when they needed it most. A person cannot borrow a relationship with God. A person cannot borrow a character. He or she must be clothed with it. Hence the oil for our journey to heaven has to be acquired by each one of us. 

"A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool." - William Shakespeare

"Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it." - Harper Lee

"Do not be wise in words be wise in deeds." - Jewish Proverb

Thirty First Sunday of the Year :A: November 1, 2020 : Feast of All Saints

 WHEN ALL THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN

Throughout the year the Catholic Church celebrates the Feasts of all the holy men and women canonised as Saints. Today we honour all those men and women who are not officially canonised by the Church although they lived a holy and blessed life and are no more with us. Some of them are known to us as saintly persons. Although they are unrecognized and unknown, today in a special way we remember all of them. 

First Reading: Revelations 7: 2-4 and 9-14

Second Reading: 1 John 3: 1-3

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 1-12

   *First reading is from the book of Revelations. It speaks of a huge crowd, innumerable standing before the throne of God. They were from every race, tribe, nation and language. These are men and women who lived a holy life, enduring trials of every kind and purified themselves in the blood of the lamb- Jesus. They are the Saints - blessed in the presence of God. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. It expresses the great love of the Heavenly Father for each one of us. We are God's children and we should purify ourselves so that we are as pure as God is. In order to attain this vision of God the Father, we must live like Christ Jesus. 

"Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven."                                             Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew which gives us a summary of Jesus' teaching through His explanation of the beatitudes. Jesus recognizes as blessed a wide range of people from those who are poor in spirit to those persecuted for their faith in the Lord. He graphically explains to us the qualities of  those who can be called  blessed in His eyes. Those who are absolutely poor; those who have no access to power and influence are blessed in the eyes of God. The gentle and the humble are the people who shall inherit the earth. Those who mourn, those who grieve for their sins, those who are moved by the pain and sufferings of others will be comforted. Those who hunger and thirst for justice and right will find satisfaction in the kingdom of God. Those who show mercy and are not revengeful will be rewarded with mercy and kindness in His kingdom. Those who are pure and unblemished in heart will be the privileged ones who see the face of God. And those who promote peace will be like their heavenly Father. Finally those who suffer persecutions will find peace in the kingdom of God. These are the men and women Jesus counts as blessed in His kingdom and they are truly His disciples. They are the Saints whose feast we celebrate today. 

"I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying." - Nelson Mandela.

"God creates out of nothing. Wonderful you say. Yes to be sure, but he does what is still more wonderful: he makes saints out of sinners." - Soren Kierkegard.

Thirtieth Sunday of the Year: A:October 25, 2020

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

First Reading: Exodus 22: 21-27

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1: 5-10

Gospel Reading: Matthew 22: 34-40

   *First reading is from the book of Exodus. The Lord God instructs the people of Israel that there should not be any exploitation and discrimination of the weak and the marginalized in the community. The Lord God further warns them of the consequences of ignoring His instructions- even death if they do injustice to the weaker members of the community. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians. Paul expresses his deep appreciation for the exemplary and praiseworthy behaviour of the Christian community at Thessalonica. They accepted the word of God in pain and affliction but they became great examples for all other Christian communities by serving the living and true God.

Love of God and love of neighbour.                                     Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The two great commandments of God: love of God and love of neighbour are discussed in detail. These two commandments are inseparable as explained by Jesus to a lawyer. When we love God, it should naturally be seen in our daily lives through our love for our fellow humans. This message of Jesus is beautifully put by St. John, "Anyone who says , 'I love God' and hates his brother is a liar." (1 Jn.4: 20) Hence our love for others must flow from the divine fountain - that is God's love for us. We are enabled to love others because it was God who loved us first and made us capable of loving others. Through this teaching Jesus gives us the following messages: 1. We are asked not just to believe in God but to love God. 2. We are asked not just to respect our neighbour but to love our neighbour. Once our life is governed by love of God and of one another, all other laws become irrelevant.

"I wouldn't touch a leper for a thousand pounds, yet I willingly cure him for the love of God." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

"If we want to live a life of love of God, we must not fail in our love towards our neighbour". - St. Theresa of Child Jesus.

"I am just a little pencil in the hand of God sending a love letter to the world." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Twenty Ninth Sunday of the Year: A: October 18, 2020

                      TO GOD AND TO CAESAR

First Reading: Isaiah 45: 1 and 4-5

Second Reading: Thessalonians 1: 1-5

Gospel Reading: Matthew 22: 15-23

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. King Cyrus the King of Persia liberated the people of Israel from their exile in Babylon. Isaiah envisages the return of the chosen people from exile not merely as a sign of the Lord God's love for His people but also of His lordship over all the nations. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians. In his opening lines  to the Christian community at Thessalonica Paul expresses his deep love and concern for them. He acknowledges the Holy Spirit the success in His preaching ministry. 

"Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."  Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The question put by Pharisees to Jesus on that day was : "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" Jesus cleverly answers this question by taking a Roman coin and subsequently asking them about the image and the inscription on the coin. By His answer, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's", Jesus tells us the need to recognize the two fold authority - namely the secular authority, at the same time that of God's authority. Jesus makes a fine distinction between the two. In many of the countries in the world there is complete separation between the Church and the State. For us Christians, how to live in the world without having conflicts between 'Caesar and God' is the question. There are also so many little 'Caesars' we have to deal with in our daily lives. There is the party, the company, the local community and personal groups all vying for loyalty and support from us. In all these situations we have to acknowledge and respect the legitimate secular authority at the same time keeping God's authority in its rightful place. 

"The main problem of the twentieth Century : Is it permissible to commit one's conscience to someone else's keeping?" - Solzhenitsyn.

Twenty Eighth Sunday of the Year:A: October 11, 2020

 COME TO THE BANQUET OF THE LORD

First Reading: Isaiah 25: 6-10

Second Reading: Philippians 4: 12-14,19-20

Gospel Reading: Matthew 22: 1-14

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks of a great banquet prepared for the people of the Lord God on the mountain of the Lord. The imagery of the banquet is used to describe the great blessings that the Lord God has in store not only for the people of Israel but for all nations. It prefigures the blessings that will be be brought about by the messianic kingdom through Jesus.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul describes his own contentment in all situations of life. While thanking the Christian community at Philippi for supporting him, Paul expresses his total and unquestioned trust in the Lord Jesus who always strengthens him.

The parable of the wedding feast                                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The parable of the wedding feast is narrated in great detail. It is a rather strange story. It is about a great wedding feast given by a King. The King invites all types of people for his son's wedding. But not all are responsive to the invitation. We meet four different groups of people in the parable. 1. Those who made light of the King's invitation and did not go for the banquet on various pretexts. They had their own affairs to be busy with and they did not respond to the invitation of the king. 2. Those who treated the King's servants shamefully and even killed some of them. They are the evil forces who do not accept God's reign and are trying to do away with it at all cost. 3. Those who are called from the street corners and byways - they respond to the invitation of the King. These are the people who are from all nations and are willing to accept God's kingdom. God is willing to accept any person to His kingdom without looking at his/her antecedents. 4. Those who refused to wear the wedding garment at the banquet. These are the people who after accepting the invitation of God are not willing to be part of the privilege they received. It shows their unrepentant way of life. The wedding feast symbolizes the heavenly banquet prepared by God for everyone. Not surprisingly we meet all these types of people in the world today. God is very generous in inviting all of us to His banquet. Maybe we have different reasons to make light of it; totally reject it; or accept it with an open heart. If we accept God's invitation wholeheartedly and unconditionally, we will receive great blessings that only the Almighty can dispense with.

"I say to you that many will come from east and west and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." - Matthew 8: 11-12

Twenty Seventh Sunday of the Year :A: October 4, 2020

 PUNISHMENT FOR THE WICKED AND THE UNFAITHFUL

First Reading : Isaiah 5: 1-7

Second Reading: Philippians 4: 6-9

Gospel Reading: Matthew 21: 33-43

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah compares Israel to a vineyard which failed to produce the desired fruits in spite of the fact that the vineyard owner (the Lord God) lavished His care and attention on it. Sadly, it is destined to become a wilderness. Like this vineyard the Lord God took care of His chosen people Israel with utmost diligence and care. Unfortunately they produced evil fruits and as a result the Lord God rejected them.

   * Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Philippians.  Paul gives examples of the kind of fruits we should produce in the vineyard of the Lord. To enjoy the peace that God has promised in every type of anxiety we need to turn  to God in prayer of thanksgiving and petition.

The parable of the wicked tenants                                         Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. This parable vividly describes the unfaithfulness and the wickedness  of the chosen people of God - Israel. Jesus spoke this parable in the context of the unfaithfulness of Israel and its leaders. Not only they rejected the commandments of God but had the audacity of rejecting Jesus Son of God.                                                                                                                   The vineyard owner entrusted his vineyard to tenants. He had equipped the vineyard with every available facility - hedge, winepress and a tower- everything that would make their task easy and light. After handing over the vineyard to the tenants the owner went on a long journey. When he returned and the season for the fruits arrived the owner sent his servants to get his share of the produce. But these wicked men ill treated them and sent them back empty handed. Finally he sent his beloved son to them hoping that these men would respect him. Instead they killed him and took possession of the vineyard. At last the owner of the vineyard had no option other than to drive these wicked men out of the vineyard and handover the vineyard to other tenants.                                                                            This parable has a deep significance in our lives too. In spite of God's great love and concern for each of us we have been often unfaithful and wicked in our relationship with God and others. The following messages are implied in this parable: 1. The destructive effects of greed and resultant violence against the rights of other humans. 2. The vineyard is the image of God's people. The question we have to ask is - are we good/bad tenants? 3. Everyone without fail is finally answerable to the owner (God).

Twenty Sixth Sunday of the Year: A: September 27, 2020

 DOING THE WILL OF GOD: NOT IN WORDS BUT IN DEEDS

First Reading: Ezekiel 18: 25-28

Second Reading: Philippians 2: 1-11

Gospel Reading: Matthew 21: 28-32

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel instructs the people of Israel and us that we are responsible for our actions and that the Lord God judges everyone according to his/her actions. The Lord God is always just. He punishes us if we do evil and rewards us when we turn away from evil and do good. 

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul tells the Christian community at Philippi that Jesus humbled Himself and became human and died on the cross for the humankind. Like Jesus every follower of the Lord should do everything with humility and look for the good of the others rather than that of one's own. He reminds us that self-seeking actions and rivalry have no place in the life of a Christian. Christ gave us an example of humility and we must imitate Him in our lives.

The parable of the two sons.                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The parable is about a father and his two sons. The context of this parable is that the chosen people of God at first said yes to the covenant of God but later turned away from following God and His teachings. They refused to accept that Jesus comes from God the Father. Whereas those who were not among the chosen race - the gentiles and the sinners - accepted Jesus as the Son of God. In the parable we have the story of a father and his two sons. The father asked both his sons -the elder and the younger - to go and work in his vineyard. The elder son initially said no to the father but later went and worked in the vineyard. The younger son initially said yes to the father but he did not go and do the work in the vineyard. After narrating the parable Jesus puts a question to His disciples. "Which of these two sons did the father's will?" The answer is obvious: the elder son. Hence Jesus explains to us the need for obedience to the will of the Heavenly Father not merely in words but it should be seen in our actions. 

This parable in some way has some overtones about our own lives. We often make promises to God but forget to fulfill them and fail to do the will of God. It is interesting to observe that in the parable the owner of the vineyard has some work to be done. He did not ask his servants or his hired workers to do the work. He personally asked his sons to do the work in the vineyard. So too the Heavenly Father invites each one of us His sons and daughters to work in His vineyard. It is up to us to respond to His invitation. 

"Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God's will." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"The basic purpose of prayer is not to bend God's will to mine, but to mold my will into His." -Timothy Keller

Twenty Fifth Sunday of the Year : A: September 20, 2020

THE GENEROSITY OF A VINEYARD OWNER

First Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9

Second Reading: Philippians 20: 24-27

Gospel Reading: Matthew 20: 1-6

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Prophet Isaiah urges the people of Israel to turn away from their evil and sinful ways and return to the Lord God. He tells them and us too that the Lord God's ways are not our ways. The Lord God in His infinite wisdom has His own way of dealing with us that may not  be always to our liking. Often we try to shape the Lord God according to human understanding and ways of thinking which may not correspond to the way the Lord God deals with us. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul expresses his deep conviction that to live for Christ or to die for Christ is the same for him. His only ambition is to proclaim and glorify Christ and be united with Him always. This message of Paul should rule the hearts of all who follow the Lord. 

"The last will be first and the first last."                      (Reversal of values in the Kingdom of God)

Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The parable of the vineyard owner and his generosity is narrated in great detail. The owner gives a day's wages (one denarius) for everyone who worked in his vineyard no matter whether the person worked just one hour (one who came last) or the person worked the whole day (one who came first). The owner's generosity makes those who worked the entire day dissatisfied and angry. The question of the vineyard owner to the disgruntled workers is very relevant: "Have I no right to do what I have with my own?"                                               This parable may seem quite strange and unjust at the outset for many of us. Some may even think that the vineyard owner is not understanding the feelings of those who toiled all day. According to one Biblical Scholar, the parable does not depict reckless, arbitrary action of the owner. Rather it shows the behaviour of a largehearted man who is very compassionate, kind and full of sympathy for the poor and the deprived. It is out of pity for their poverty that the owner decided to give them a full day's wages. If not, their families would be starving that day. Through this parable Jesus is expressing the unlimited goodness, compassion and graciousness of a kind and loving God and not about labour relationships. Often we grudge others who are in some way more favoured by God. Sometimes we are not ready to accept God's unlimited generosity. Hence through the parable Jesus gives us a lesson that it does not matter when we come to the Kingdom of God: early, middle or at the last hour. All that matters is that we are part of His Kingdom. 

"For it is in giving that we receive." -St. Francis of Assisi

"Generosity is giving more than you can." - Khalil Gibran

"Every sunrise is an invitation for us to arise and brighten someone's day." - R.E. Goodrich

Twenty Fourth Sunday of the Year : A: September 13, 2020

              THE VIRTUE OF FORGIVENESS

First Reading: Sirach 27: 30 to 28: 7

Second Reading: Romans 14: 7-9

Gospel Reading: Matthew 18: 21-35

   * First reading is from the book of Sirach (Ecclesiastes). This passage explains to us that our desire for revenge and vengeance is a human tendency. But our refusal to forgive those who did harm to us and who hurt us is unacceptable in the eyes of the Lord God. Such an attitude makes us unworthy of the Lord God's forgiveness and mercy. We can experience the forgiveness of the Lord God only to the extent we forgive those who offended us. 

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul explains to the Christian community in Rome and to us that we live in union with Lord Jesus so that we become precious in the eyes of God. Our living and our dying as Christians is for Christ and for others.

"Not seven times but seventy times seven"

Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Jesus graphically explains to St. Peter and to everyone of us the need to have unconditional forgiveness. Peter thinks forgiving an offending person seven times is being very generous and noble. But Jesus tells him that he should forgive not merely seven times but seventy times seven- which means he has to forgive innumerable times. 

Jesus explains His teaching through the parable of two debtors. The parable is about a certain Master and two of his servants. The first one owed the Master ten thousand talents. He was asked to pay back the entire amount immediately. Unable to pay this huge sum the man pleads for mercy from the Master and the Master out of pity forgave  all his debt. After some time the same man met a fellow servant who owed him a mere hundred denari. He asked his fellow servant to pay back the entire amount immediately. This man too pleaded with him to have mercy and asked pardon. But the first servant did not relent and puts his fellow servant in prison till he paid the entire debt. 

When the Master comes to know about the unforgiving attitude of the servant who was a recipient of his mercy and he becomes extremely upset and angry. Although this servant received mercy from the Master, the same mercy was not shown to his fellow servant. The Master deals with him very harshly. Hence forgiving those who have done wrong to us is the precondition for us to receive forgiveness from God. The only obstacle we can put in the way of God's forgiveness of our sins is our refusal to forgive the sins of others. 

"To err is human but to forgive is divine." - Proverb

"Father, forgive them: for they do not know what they are doing." - Luke 23:24

Twenty Third Sunday of the Year: A: September 6, 2020

       DUTY OF CORRECTING THE ERRING

First Reading: Ezekiel 33: 7-9

Second Reading: Romans 13: 8-10

Gospel Reading: Matthew 18: 15-20

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel is asked by the Lord God to be a watchman for the house of Israel. He is given the duty to warn all the wicked people in the land. The instructions given to Ezekiel by the Lord God are applicable to all leaders who have a prophetic role to play. He or she has to speak out against every type of evil in the community and correct the erring members. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul reminds the Christian community in Rome and all of us about the preeminence of the law of love in every situation in life. He instructs us that the practice of Christian love fulfills all other commandments and prevents a person from doing wrong. 

Healing broken relationships

Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Jesus gives us some important and relevant guidelines regarding the duty of a Christian and the Christian community in correcting an erring member of the community in a gentle and delicate manner. 

The instructions of Jesus in this context are straight forward. The offended person - not the offending one- should be the first one to seek reconciliation. The message is that members of the Christian community should straighten things out with one another privately and in a personal manner. The purpose of this open personal meeting is not to humiliate the offending person but to be reconciled with him/her. Hence this kind of action is to regain the  brother or the sister who had a break in relationship. It is to restore the broken relationship and not for denouncing or to put blame on the other. That is why Jesus told, "If he listens to you, you have gained your brother." 

In the second part of the Gospel Jesus assures us His divine and continued presence wherever two or three are gathered in His name. These words of Jesus should encourage us and strengthen us to be part of a caring, forgiving and praying community. 

"The fruits of charity are joy, peace and mercy; charity demands beneficence and fraternal correction." - St. Augustine.

"Today we have to learn all over again that love for the sinner and love for the person who has been harmed are correctly balanced."- Pope Benedict XVI.

Twenty Second Sunday of the Year:A: August 30, 2020

           THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

First Reading: Jeremiah 20: 7-9

Second Reading: Romans 12: 1-2

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16: 23-27

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah complains bitterly about his painful situation that he is faced with: fierce opposition, insults, reproach and derision from the people. He is despised by everyone because he is speaking for the Lord God. He brings his griefs and pains to the Lord God. Trusting in the power of the Lord God he pleads that with the help of the almighty he be able to continue his mission entrusted to him without fail. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans. Paul urges the Christian community in Rome not to be influenced by the worldly ways of people around them. He pleads with them to live their lives as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. 

Gaining life and losing life

Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In the first part of the Gospel  Jesus explains to His disciples His impending rejection at Jerusalem and His death on the cross. It was a shock for the disciples and they could hardly accept such a situation. As a result Peter and other Apostles protested and tried to persuade the Lord and insisted that such an event should never happen to Him. Jesus' reaction was very sharp. He told Peter, "Get behind me Satan.". Jesus told him not to be a stumbling block to the plan of God. It is rather surprising that Peter who was praised by the Lord and was assured that he would become the rock on which the Church would be built (Matt. 16:18) turned out to be a stumbling block. What a turn of events! 

In the second part of today's Gospel Jesus tells the disciples the paradox of being His disciples. To be a disciple is to take up one's cross and follow the Lord in all circumstances of life. He further adds that those who want to save their life will lose it and those who lose their life for His sake will find it. This is the paradox that Jesus puts before us everyday of our lives. If we put ourselves at the center of our lives we will fail. But if we put Jesus at the center of our lives we will succeed. This is an important insight that the Lord puts before us to be authentic and genuine disciples. 

Twenty First Sunday of the Year:A: August 23, 2020

THE TRUE IDENTITY OF JESUS

First Reading: Isaiah 22: 19-23

Second Reading: Romans 11: 36-37

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16: 13-20

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah assures the people of Israel that the Lord God will remove the corrupt official Shebna who did not take care of the chosen people of God. In his place the Lord God will appoint Eliakim who will take fatherly care of the people of Jerusalem and of Judah. He will rule the people with fairness and justice. Thus the Lord God will bring justice to His chosen people. 

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul tells the Christian community in Rome and all of us about the inscrutable mystery of God - that He is the creator and the Lord of all that exists. We humans with all our wisdom and human understanding are very much limited. We cannot comprehend or understand the wisdom of God. 

"Who  do you say that I am?"

Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Jesus reveals His true identity during His conversation with His disciples. Jesus puts two questions to His disciples. The first question was, "Who do men say that I am?" He was interested to know from His disciples the various opinions  people had about Him. The answers as expressed by the disciples consist the following: They said, "Some say you are John the Baptist (who has come back to life) or Prophet Elijah or Prophet Jeremiah or one the prophets of old. Hence the perception of the people were limited to the understanding of Jesus as a prophet or as a man of God. Then Jesus puts a second question, a very personal one to His disciples. "Who do you say that I am?" It is a very searching question. Peter immediately speaks up and confesses. "You are the Christ, the Son God." Impressed by this answer Jesus praises Peter and tells him then and there that this confession of faith is something extraordinary and it is a revelation from the heavenly Father. Jesus further adds that Peter will be made the head of the future Church and he is the rock on which He will build His Church. Today Jesus puts the same question to each one of us: "Who do you say that I am?" As He converses with us we could think of the faith journeys we had in our lives. Perhaps the image of Jesus in our early stages in life have undergone tremendous transformation. Perhaps as the years have gone by, our faith experiences of Jesus have deepened and strengthened. Maybe we could also share our faith experiences with others as the Apostles did. They transmitted their faith experiences to the future generations.

"There are so many religions and each one has its different ways of following God. I follow Christ: Jesus is my God." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

"I see Jesus in every human being." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

 

Feast of Transfiguration: A: August 6, 2020

TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD

First Reading: Daniel 7: 9-10 and 13-14

Second Reading: 2 Peter 1: 15-19

Gospel Reading : Matthew 17: 1-9

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Daniel. This passage has description about the various visions of Daniel. It speaks about the throne of God where one like the Son of man is being presented to God the Father - the ancient of days. All  authority in heaven and earth is given to Him. This vision gives a glimpse about the transfigured Christ.

   *Second reading is from the second letter of St. Peter. In this passage Peter speaks about his own experience of transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. He was an eye witness to the fact that God the Father bestowed on Jesus the title 'My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased'. On the holy mountain Peter had that wonderful experience of being a witness to the heavenly glory of the Lord Jesus.

"My beloved Son. Listen to Him"

Today's Gospel reading is from st. Matthew. In this passage the transfiguration of Jesus on mount Tabor is described in great details. No doubt transfiguration of Jesus was the high point of the public ministry of Jesus. In front of three of His beloved disciples - Peter, James and John - He was transfigured. Moses and Elijah two great prophets of the Old testament were also present. Heavenly Father publicly and unequivocally proclaimed that Jesus is His beloved Son. The three disciples cherished those privileged and wonderful moments of glory of Jesus on the mountain. They were so spell bound that they could not adequately understand the depth of the experience or explain it in words.

Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain was to strengthen the faith of the disciples for the impending crucifixion and death of Jesus. Jesus did not remain in those glorious moments of the mountain but came down from the mountain to go to Jerusalem to be rejected and to die.

The transfiguration experience is narrated in the Gospel so that we too may experience it to a limited extent and our faith too may be strengthened in the Lord Jesus.

"It is indeed good to be here as you have said, Peter. It is good to be with Jesus and to remain here for ever." - Bishop Anastasius of Sinai.

Thirteenth Sunday of the Year:A:28th June 2020

     GOD REWARDS A GRACEFUL GIVER

First Reading: 2 Kings 4: 8-11 and 14-16
Second Reading: Romans 6: 3-4 and 8-11
Gospel Reading: Matthew 10: 37-42

   *First reading is from the second book of the Kings. This passage describes the hospitality of a woman of Shunem. When Prophet Elisha passed through Shunem this woman recognized him as a man of God and showed hospitality by giving him food and drink. Further she made arrangements for his comfortable stay in her home during his visits. God was pleased by her actions and rewarded her generosity with the promise of a son whom she was waiting for.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. In this passage Paul explains to the Christian community in Rome about the meaning of baptism in the name of Lord Jesus. To be baptized means that through the grace and power of the risen Lord we are dead to sin and live in holiness.

"He who receives you receives me"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The first part of the Gospel passage speaks about the necessity of following Jesus even to the point of death. And the second part of the Gospel speaks about the virtue of hospitality in the life of a follower of the Lord.
Jesus' demands from his would-be followers is rather harsh. He demands threefold renunciation from them.
1. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.
2. He who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
3. He who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Certainly we need to love our parents, children and near and dear ones. But Jesus makes it absolutely clear that this love of others and of oneself should not be at the cost of loving God. Love of God should take precedence over all our other priorities.
Jesus also promises His disciples that hospitality shown to them by anyone will be suitably rewarded - even if that be a glass of cold water.  
"God loves a cheerful giver."- 2 Corinthians 9:7
"For the measure you use, it will be measured to you ."- Luke 6:38
"Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conducts their affairs with justice."-Psalm 112:5

Twelveth Sunday of the Year:A: June 21, 2020

FEARLESS AND COURAGEOUS DISCIPLESHIP

First Reading: Jeremiah 20: 10-13
Second Reading: Romans 5: 12-15
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 10: 26-33

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. In this passage Jeremiah expresses his anguish and pain. Even when surrounded by enemies and faced with terror from every side Jeremiah places his total trust in the Lord God. He is convinced that the Lord God is on his side.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. In this passage Paul explains to the Christians in Rome that sin and death came through Adam the first man. However freedom and life came through Jesus Christ the second Adam.

"Fear not, you are of more value than many sparrows"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In this passage Jesus invites His disciples to be fearless and courageous in the face of rejection and opposition.
The following points are mentioned:
1. Message of Jesus is not to be hidden but to be proclaimed openly - on the house tops.
2. Disciples should not be afraid of those who kill the body but be afraid of the one who can kill the soul.
3. Even a tiny sparrow is taken care of  by God. We are of more value than many sparrows. If so, we should realize that God is in control of our lives and nothing happens without His knowledge.
4. Those who acknowledge Jesus and His message openly will be acknowledged by the heavenly Father. Hence fearless witnessing to Christ will make us worthy to receive eternal reward.
In order to respond wholeheartedly to Jesus's invitation needs great faith, courage and radical commitment. But He does not want His disciples to be members of a cowardly Church or a faithless community. He wants us to stand up and be counted for our faith.
" My job seems to be to go around picking up insults and corpses" - Bl. Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador.
"I really fear that most of those who call themselves Christians would go on almost as they do, if they believed Christianity to be nothing more than a fable" - Bl. Cardinal Newman.
"Keeping silent in the face of injustice is as DEADLY as the violence itself." - Jimmy Carter (Former President of USA)

Second Sunday of Easter: Divine Mercy : April 19, 2020

"DOUBTING THOMAS AND THE MERCIFUL LORD"

First Reading: Acts 2: 42-47
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1: 3-9
Gospel Reading: John 20: 19-21

   * First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. This passage gives us a glimpse of the life of the early Christian community. After experiencing the presence of the risen Lord in a very powerful way the Christian community lived like people one in heart and mind. Their life attracted many non-believers to faith and brought healing to the wounded and broken hearts of many. The community's faith in the risen Lord led to a joyful fellowship in the worship and of the unity of mind and heart. Hence the first Christians showed the depth of their faith by the fruits they produced in their lives.

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Peter. In this passage Apostle Peter praises and glorifies the loving God for His great mercy in giving us a new birth in Jesus Christ. He thanks the merciful God for the blessings of faith, love and joy in the Lord. He instructs us that "hope helps us to bear patiently the trials of this life".

"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. This passage gives us a detailed account of the way the risen Lord met Thomas the Apostle. Thomas was one of the twelve, chosen by Jesus. He was present during the public life of Jesus. He was a witness to the rejection, sufferings, cruel crucifixion and shameful death of Jesus on the cross. Like most of the other disciples, he too lost hope and went away disheartened and disoriented. But when he came back on Easter day other disciples told him about the most exciting events of that morning. Specifically he was told that Jesus appeared to Peter and the other disciples. In his disappointment and confusion Thomas told them that "unless I see in His hands the print of the nails and place my fingers in the mark of the nails and place my hands in His side, I will not believe".
That evening the risen Lord took up the challenge of Thomas and confronted him along with the other disciples. Jesus showed His hand and legs and the wounded side and asked Thomas to be believing. Realizing his folly Thomas immediately expressed his regret by saying "my Lord and my God".
The story of Thomas is for all those people who were not present when the risen Lord appeared - that includes all of us - on the Easter Sunday and did not see the risen Lord physically. Hence Thomas became a key link between the age of the Apostles who saw the risen Lord with their own eyes and all the future disciples who would never see Jesus in this life and yet believe in Him.
"To believe with certainty we must begin with doubting." -St. Stanislaus.
" It is by doubting that we come to investigate and by investigating that we recognize the truth."- P. Abelard.
"It may be that Thomas' critical mind compelled Jesus to explain the teachings more deeply to him than to the other credulous disciples." - G.A. Tyrrell. 

Seventh Sunday of the Year :A: February 23, 2020

                    "LOVE YOUR ENEMIES"

First Reading: Leviticus 19: 1-2,17-18
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3: 16-22
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 people of Israel regarding their way of life. They are told to be holy like the Lord God Himself. To be holy would mean - not to hate one's neighbour or to take vengeance on anyone . This teaching of the Lord God finds its echoes in the teachings of Jesus.

   * Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. In this passage Paul reminds the Corinthian Christian community that Holy Spirit dwells among them. They are the temples of the Holy Spirit. Hence they should be holy. Further he says that the wisdom of the world is folly and worthless. Paul requests them to respect one another forgetting their differences whatever that may be.

"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 Lord Jesus. To love those who love us is easy and not challenging. 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 of.
Jesus gives us the example of the heavenly Father who is good to everyone - both to the good and to the bad. Jesus goes beyond the teachings of Leviticus where love was restricted to the neighbour. Jesus makes it clear that revenge and retaliation is not for His disciples. The Old Testament teaching of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is not to be practiced by His disciples. Because revenge and retaliation eventually destroy a person and the society. Jesus asks His disciples to be better than the gentiles/ordinary folk 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 and 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"- Proverb.