The Feast of Epiphany : C: January 2, 2022

 THE MANIFESTATION OF THE LORD JESUS

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-5

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

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2: 1-12

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

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul explains to us the universality of salvation. God is inviting everyone - both Jews and Gentiles(non-Jews) alike - to share on an equal footing the salvation won by Christ. He further clarifies that all are members of the same body and co-partners in the promise of Christ Jesus.

The Wise Men from the east visit child Jesus                                                                Epiphany comes from the Greek word "epiphainein" which means to reveal or to manifest. This signifies the manifestation of Christ to all nations as represented by the three wise men (Magi) from the east. These men came searching for Christ. They found Him at Bethlehem, worshipped Him and offered Him precious gifts. From that day millions of people from all walks of life have followed them and came to meet Christ the Lord. Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. A graphic description of how the wise men came to Bethlehem is given. Guided by a star they reached Jerusalem and went and met King Herod. They wanted  some guidance from Herod regarding the whereabouts of the divine Child. Herod called his advisers and took their opinion. They referred to the prophecies of old and came to the conclusion that the new King is born in Bethlehem. The wise men left Herod's palace and went in search of Child Jesus. They found Him in Bethlehem as told. They met child Jesus with Mother Mary and paid their respect and offered Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Gospel story  gives us three important messages. 1. It speaks about the journey of three wise men from the east to Jerusalem a far away and unknown place,  in search of Christ Child. Their  journey is a symbol of the search for truth by genuine seekers of God. 2. The meeting of the wise men with Herod tells us that some people in authority and power symbolized by Herod try to suppress and destroy truth and God's message and messengers. 3. The three wise men paid homage to Christ Child and received blessings. It is a touching story of all moments of grace. There is joy of recognition of God and His presence and total surrender to God which is symbolized by their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The Feast of the Holy Family: December 26, 2021

 A MODEL FAMILY : THE HOLY FAMILY

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

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 12-21

Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 41-52

   *First reading is from the book of Ecclesiasticus. An advice to children of all ages to honour their parents is given. Honouring Father and Mother is a must for children. They are asked to take care of their parents in their old age and to show kindness and mercy even when the elderly are lacking understanding. There is a promise of reward to those who take care of their parents. It is told that the children who respect and obey their parents are in fact giving glory to God and storing up spiritual treasure for themselves. 

   *Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Colossians. Paul gives a description of an ideal (model) Christian family. Love is the binding factor of Christian family life. Compassion, meekness, kindness and mutual respect and forgiveness are hallmarks of a good family. Paul advices the members of every Christian family to love and respect one another and have concern for one another.

Crisis in the Holy Family - Jesus lost in the Jerusalem temple                                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The Holy Family at Nazareth is portrayed as a model for all ideal and blessed families. But unfortunately it was not a place of total peace and tranquility if we assumed it be so. Joseph, Mary and boy Jesus had their share of struggles, misunderstandings and problems. Gospel narrates how boy Jesus was lost in the Jerusalem temple and later he was found by Mother Mary and St. Joseph. When Jesus was 12 years old, Holy Family went to the Jerusalem temple for Passover feast. After the feast, when the celebrations were over, while they returned on their way back Mary and Joseph realized that boy Jesus was not with them. They searched diligently for the child for three days with heavy hearts. Finally they found the boy Jesus in the temple. Mary expressed her anguish to Jesus. He simply told her, "Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" Although Jesus was well aware of His mission entrusted to Him by His heavenly Father. He obediently went to Nazareth with His parents respecting their wishes . He did not want to hurt them and He continued to prepared for His public ministry staying with them. Holy Family gives us a lesson as to how we should deal with any crisis in our families - not by blaming one another but by going forward in faith with love and concern for one another.                                                              Here is a thought for those parents who say that they don't understand their children.                      "Your children are not your children.. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.. They come through you but not from you.. And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.. You may give them your love but not your thoughts.. You may house their bodies, but not their souls.. For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow.. Which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams." - K. Gibran

CHRISTMAS :C: December 25, 2021

 BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST, THE SAVIOUR 

First Reading: Isaiah 9: 2-7

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 Israel from their bondage. He prophecies that the child to be born will be wonderful counsellor, mighty God, everlasting Father and Prince of peace. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfilment by the birth of Jesus Christ the saviour of the world. 

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

Silent Night.. Holy Night...Saviour is born.                                                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. A beautiful and touching description of the night of the birth of our Saviour and Lord Jesus is narrated. It is the story of beautiful Angels and Mother Mary with 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 personally experienced in the birth of Jesus. His love is inviting all of us to the manger. The  Shepherds responded to the call at the first Christmas night. When Jesus was born in the manger, the humble, simple Shepherds were privileged to meet Him and receive His blessings. This event in Bethlehem is the centre of all creation and of all history. Jesus took human form and He will come in glory at the end of time. He teaches us to live the present in patient expectation of the blessed hope of His future coming. Let this Christmas bring us hope and joy in these challenging times when the whole world is affected by the pandemic. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My the Divine Child Bless you.

Fourth Sunday of Advent: C: December 19, 2021

 BLESSED ARE YOU AMONG WOMEN

First Reading: Micah 5: 2-5

Second Reading: Hebrews 10: 5-10

Gospel Reading: Luke 1: 39-45

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Micah. Micah speaks about a great ruler who will come from an insignificant place in Israel - Bethlehem. He will gather together the scattered people and unite the people once more. He will bring peace and security for the chosen people. This prophecy of Micah finds its fulfilment in the coming of Jesus Christ as savior of Israel and of the whole world. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Hebrews. The message is that Jesus came not to offer sacrifices of the old law but to do the will of God. The sacrifices offered according to the Mosaic law were unable to purify the people from their sins. But Jesus Christ through His obedience and self-sacrifice was able to bring about reconciliation between God and humankind. 

The meeting of two holy women: Elizabeth and Mary                                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. A detailed description regarding the meeting of Blessed Mother Mary with her cousin Elizabeth is given. These two saintly women experienced the blessings of a loving and living God in their lives. Mary wanted to share her joy with her cousin. So Mary travelled to the hill country where Elizabeth lived. When greeted by Mary, Elizabeth recognized the great privilege God had bestowed on Mary. Filled with the Holy Spirit Elizabeth praised Mary and the uniqueness of the child in her womb. Elizabeth joyously praised and thanked the Almighty for the great faith Mary had when she totally surrendered to the will of God and accepted God's Word in her womb. It is through Mary that God keeps the promises foretold by Prophet Micah. The promises of God took human form in her womb in the person of Jesus. In Mary we see that God does not merely make promises but fulfills them. In Mary we see someone who allows the promises of God to shape her whole life - not in a passive way but positively by her unconditional 'yes' to God. In this final week of Advent when we are eagerly preparing for Christmas, Elizabeth and Mary give us some deep insights as to how we could prepare for the great event: 1. By believing in the promises of God. 2. By recognizing what God has done in our lives and in the lives of others. 3. By sharing our joy with others. 

"Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit after conceiving John, while Mary is filled with the Holy Spirit before conceiving the Lord." - St. Ambrose. 

Third Sunday of Advent: C: December 12, 2021

 HE WHO IS MIGHTIER THAN I IS COMING

First Reading: Zephaniah 3: 14-18

Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7

Gospel Reading: Luke 3: 10-18

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Zephaniah. The Prophet gives a message of hope for the people of Israel. He foretells the days of great rejoicing and gladness because the salvation of Israel is at hand. He affirms that the Lord God Himself stands in their midst as the King and protector of His people. The Lord God has removed the judgement against the people and turns away their enemies. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul urges the Christian community there and all of us to rejoice in the Lord to be free of anxiety and to live in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving. The Apostle wishes that the peace of God will be in our hearts and minds. 

Witnessing of John the Baptist                                                                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. John the Baptist is asked by people from various walks of life what they are expected to do for the coming of the Messiah, the anointed one. John gave some down-to-earth advice for their consideration. He asked them to share their surplus goods and clothes with the starving and the naked. To the tax-collectors his advice was not to rob the people but to collect what they are entitled to and take nothing more. He instructed the soldiers not to intimidate the people and not to use violence. John truly acknowledged the greatness of Jesus. So he told his disciples, "He who is mightier than I is coming." Hence John witnessed to Jesus. He humbly accepted that he was not the anointed one - the Messiah. John the Baptist is our role model for our Advent preparations. Like John we are called to humbly accept our limitations and littleness: that we are not the Christ, not one of the great prophets, not one of the great preachers or miracle workers. In all humility we have to accept that we are simple, humble followers of the Lord Jesus. 

"The season of Advent is like springtime in nature, when everything is renewed and so is fresh and healthy. Advent is also meant to do this to us- to refresh us and make us healthy to be able to receive Christ in whatever form he may come to us." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

"No one can claim to be a follower of Christ and remain entirely unlike the Master whom he professes to love." - Antony Padovano

Second Sunday of Advent: C: December 5, 2021

 PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD

First Reading: Baruch 5:1-9

Second Reading: Philippians 1:4-6 and 8-11

Gospel Reading: Luke 3:1-6 

Advent: Adventus in Latin means arrival or coming. Advent indicates the threefold coming of the Lord Jesus: the past, the present and the future. 1. The past: We remember the Lord's humble first coming which took place more than 2000 years ago at Bethlehem. 2. The present: We experience His present and continual coming through the Word of God and through the sacraments. 3. The future: We look forward to the final coming of the Lord in His glory. 

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Baruch. Baruch gives a message of hope and gladness for the people of Israel who were under the slavery of Babylon. He assures them that they will return to Jerusalem in glory. Every mountain and hill will be leveled and valleys will be filled up for their return. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul instructs the Christian community there that God has created us for something good and that God's work in us will be completed. He urges them and us to abound in love and lead a pure and blameless life for the second coming of the Lord. He encourages them and us that they/we should not worry about the future because God will be with them/us.

John the Baptist's call for repentance                                                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. John the Baptist's invitation to prepare the way of the Lord is narrated. In view of the Lord's coming, John urges us to prepare the way for Christ by giving our lives a new orientation - a complete turnabout. The repentance that is asked of us is not merely a turning away from sin but rather a change of heart. Hence to repent would mean that we recognize our brokenness and our need for redemption by turning to God. Humankind in general is broken, fragmented, damaged and wounded by sin. Hence we need to recognize our own brokenness to be saved from this situation. John proclaims Jesus to be the one who will fulfill the prophecy of Prophet Isaiah that all humankind will see the salvation of God. To prepare for His coming John invites us to prepare the way of the Lord: by making His paths straight. All that prevents us from His smooth coming has to be done away with- valleys shall be filled, mountains and hills shall be leveled and crooked ways have to be made straight. 

"The voice of the great Prophet asks us to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord in the deserts of today, internal and external deserts, thirsting for the water of life which is Christ." - Pope Benedict XVI

"Advent is the perfect time to clean and prepare the way." Edward Heys