Fifth Sunday of Easter: B: April 28, 2024

 THE INTIMATE AND ABIDING UNION WITH THE RISEN LORD                                       (The vine and the branches)

First Reading: Acts 9: 26-31

Second Reading: 1 John 3: 18-24

Gospel Reading: John 15: 1-8

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Paul's dramatic conversion and subsequent happenings in the life of Paul are narrated. Paul who was a fierce persecutor of the Christians is dramatically transformed by the powerful intervention of the risen Lord. Paul (Saul) persecuted Christians in and around Jerusalem. But after his Damascus experience and subsequent conversion, Paul wants to join the Christian community at Jerusalem. But he finds it difficult to be accepted by the community because of his earlier life as a persecutor of Christians. So Barnabas a disciple of good repute, introduces Paul to the Apostles.  Paul starts to preach boldly and fearlessly in Jerusalem but the Jews there try to kill him. So he is sent to Tarsus. The early Church grows in strength in spite of much opposition and persecutions. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. John instructs us that if we wish to live as God wants us to do, we must keep His commandments. That would mean that we should believe in the name of Jesus and love one another as he commands us to do. Those who keep the commandments are united to Him and the presence of the Holy Spirit is with them.

The abiding presence of the risen Lord in the believer                                                     Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Jesus instructs us about the intimate and deep personal bond between Him and those who believe in Him.  This relationship is compared to that of the vine and its branches. The branches have to be united with the vine in order to produce fruits. If the branches are cut off from the vine, they cannot be fruitful. Jesus also mentions about two types of branches: Fruit-bearing branches which are pruned to produce more fruits; and those branches that do not produce fruits, which are cut off from the vine. We are united with Jesus through our baptism. Hence, if we are fruit-bearing branches, we have to be prepared to be pruned to produce more fruits. But if we are branches that do not produce fruits, it is time to change our ways so that we too produce fruits, lest we be cut off from the Lord. Let our life be always in union with the risen Lord and be like branches that are united with the vine. 

"To start anew from Christ means being close to Him, being close to Jesus. Jesus stresses the importance of this with the disciples at the Last Supper, as He prepares to give us His own greatest gift of love: His sacrifice on the Cross. Jesus uses the image of the vine and the branches and says, 'Abide in my love, remain attached to me, as the branch is attached to the vine'. If we are joined to Him, then we are able to bear fruit." - Pope Francis

Fourth Sunday of Easter: B: April 21, 2024

                      JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD

First Reading: Acts 4: 8-12

Second Reading: 1 John 3: 1-2

Gospel Reading: John 10: 11-18

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. The miraculous healing of a crippled person by St. Peter is narrated in detail. Peter testifies to the people of Jerusalem that this miracle happened not by his power but by the power of Jesus of Nazareth whom the Jewish authorities had crucified. He affirms that there is no salvation for anyone except through the power of Jesus although He was rejected by the Jews. 

  *Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. John tells us that through the love of Jesus, we are made children of God. In our future life, we shall see Jesus as He is. He will do many great and mighty deeds in our lives. 

The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep                                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Jesus instructs us that He is the Good Shepherd. To understand this comparison of Jesus to a Good Shepherd, it is important to understand the background of a Shepherd in Palestine at the time of Jesus. The Shepherd is a man who is completely and whole-heartedly dedicated to the care and well-being of his sheep. The Shepherd and the sheep have a very close and intimate relationship. He calls each one by name and they recognize his voice. The Shepherd goes in front of the sheep and the sheep follow him. Often he carries the weak and the very young on his shoulders. To protect the flock from robbers and animals of prey, he has to undergo extreme hardships and in some case even his own life is at stake. Jesus the Good Shepherd cares for His followers. He specially cares for the weak, the least and the lost. The evidence is explicitly seen in the pages of the Gospels. We all need to draw great inspiration and comfort in knowing that Jesus is the Good Shepherd for everyone of us. He is the great leader and saviour we have. He is the one who really cares about us even to the extent of giving His life for our sake. The Good Shepherd does not look for His own comfort but that of His beloved sheep. This theme of Good Shepherd has its echoes in the words of the Lord: " The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20: 28). Let us follow the Good Shepherd who is always ready to lead us and to love us. He tells us: "I know my own and my own know me." - John 10:14.

"The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want." - Psalm 23:1

Third Sunday of Easter: B: April 14, 2024

 THE GIFT OF PEACE FROM THE RISEN LORD

First Reading: Acts 3: 13-15 and 17-19

Second Reading: 1 John 2: 1-5

Gospel Reading: Luke 24: 35-48

  * First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. St. Peter courageously addresses the people of Jerusalem. He openly tells them that they have committed a heinous and terrible crime and a grave sin by killing Jesus, the author of life. However, since they have done it out of ignorance, it is time to repent and receive the forgiveness of God. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. John assures us that Jesus is our advocate with God the Father. Hence, anyone loves Jesus and keeps His commandments, the love of God is perfected in him/her.

The risen Lord appears to His disciples                                                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. After the crucifixion and death of Jesus, the dreams and the aspirations of His disciples lay shattered. Their world falls apart. Their immediate reaction to these discouraging incidents is to cut themselves off from the hostile world and live behind closed doors. But Jesus the Good Shepherd does not leave them in their confusion, pain and misery. He appears to them and gives them the assurance of His presence. "Peace be with you" are His words of comfort. After experiencing the presence of the risen Lord, once again their hopes are revived. They realize that it is through the sufferings and His shameful death on the cross that Jesus is in His glory. The disciples gradually realize the implications and the meaning of Jesus' sufferings and death. Their broken bond with the Lord is mended. They experience the power of the risen Lord and become courageous and powerful witnesses to the Lord. The peace of the risen Lord releases the disciples from their shame, guilt, fears and worries. This gift of Jesus gradually transforms them to be faithful witnesses and even to die for Him. For us too, the resurrection of Jesus is not something of a past event but it should become a living and hope-filled reality. The risen Lord enters through our closed doors too. He brings His peace into our disturbed and confused lives. He calms our fears and restlessness. He brings us hope and light. Let our prayer be: Risen Lord, help us to believe that you are always with us.

"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without." - Buddha

"Peace begins with a smile." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Second Sunday of Easter: B: April 7, 2024

            DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY                                                                            (The healing touch of the Risen Lord and He clears doubts)

First Reading: Acts 4: 32-35

Second Reading: 1 John 5: 1-6

Gospel Reading: John 20: 19-31

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. A vivid account of the life of the early Christian community is portrayed. The risen Lord has a decisive and lasting influence on the lives of His followers. Their unity of heart and mind is truly praise-worthy and commendable. It is a community totally faithful to the Gospel values where believers share their faith and share their possessions. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. John exhorts the Christian community to live a life of love. He reminds us that every Christian is a child of God. Hence, he/she shows his/her love for God by keeping the commandments of God. 

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe                                                        Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The disciple at the center of today's Gospel narrative is Thomas. Thomas is a deeply wounded and broken man. When Jesus his master and friend is put to death on that tragic Friday, he is in deep pain and leaves the company of the other Apostles. As a result, he is unable to meet the risen Lord when He appears to the other disciples on Easter Sunday. Later, he comes to know about the appearance of the risen Lord and he is deeply hurt by the turn of events. After eight days, when the Lord appears again to all of them, He calls Thomas and shows His wounds to him. They are the proof of His love for them. Then the Lord invites Thomas to touch those precious wounds and be healed of his unbelief. Thus it is by touching and being touched that Thomas is healed of his doubts, unbelief, grief and pain. What Jesus told Thomas that day should ring in our ears whenever we are in doubt: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe". The world today is full of doubting Thomas(es). Many do not believe that Christ is risen and we can truly experience the power of the risen Lord in our lives. They will not be convinced unless they touch His wounds and see the radiance of His face. But this can happen only if the risen Lord is seen in His followers. For that we ourselves need to experience the powerful presence of the risen Lord. 

"The key to wisdom is this - constant and frequent questioning, for by doubting we are led to question and by questioning, we arrive at the truth." - Peter Abelard

"Jesus' willingness to accommodate Thomas' unbelief is a reminder that God can handle our doubts."    - David D Flowers

"Doubting Thomas uttered the greatest confession of faith recorded anywhere in the Bible." - Dr. R. F. Wilson

Easter Sunday: B: March 31, 2024

               THE LORD IS RISEN ! ALLELUIA

First Reading: Acts 10: 34 and 37- 43

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4

Gospel Reading: John 20: 1-9

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Peter and other Apostles give a powerful and convincing testimony regarding the life of Jesus: His death on the cross on that tragic Friday and His resurrection from the dead on the third day, Easter Sunday. The Apostles had the unique privilege of meeting the Risen and glorified Lord personally; sharing meals with Him and experiencing His re-assuring and life-giving presence. He assures them that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. Paul explains to the Colossian Christian community  and all of us that through our baptism we share in the life of the Risen Lord. Hence we have to set our minds on heavenly things and not on earthly matters. Paul assures us that all who believe in the Lord will share in the glory of the Risen Lord. 

The discovery of the empty tomb and its significance in the resurrection of Jesus                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. A detailed description of the happenings on Easter Sunday morning is given. The first visitor to the tomb of Jesus is Mary Magdalene. She finds that the tomb of Jesus is empty. She thinks that the body of Jesus is taken away by someone. She hurriedly goes and reports the matter to the Apostles. Peter and John, two of the Apostles go to the tomb and find it to be empty. The truth of what the scriptures had foretold gradually begin to dawns upon them that Jesus would rise from the dead. The empty tomb by itself is not a proof of the resurrection of Jesus. But it gives a very strong indication that Jesus is not to be found among the dead. Later on, many of the disciples experience the presence of the Risen Lord as He appears to them on various occasions. Their faith is strengthened by those comforting and life-giving experiences. They finally realize that Jesus is truly risen from the dead. In our case too, although we have the testimony of the Apostles and other disciples that Jesus is risen, we need to experience the comforting presence of the Risen Lord personally and be strengthened in our faith.

MAY THE RISEN LORD BLESS YOU AND STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH.                              WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY EASTER!

"The resurrection of Jesus changes the face of death for all His people. Death is no longer a prison but a passage into God's presence. Easter says, you can put truth in a grave but it won't stay there." - C. W. Hall

"The tomb of Christ is famous because of what it DOES NOT CONTAIN" - S. Morris

"Christ the Lord is risen today. Sons of men and angels say: Raise you joys and triumphs high! Sing ye heavens and earth reply." - C. Wesley 

Palm Sunday: B: March 24, 2024

HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID (The triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem)

Processional Gospel: Mark 11: 1-10

First Reading: Isaiah 50: 4-7

Second Reading: Philippians 2: 6-11

Gospel Reading: Mark 14: 1 to 15: 41

   *With Palm Sunday, we begin the Holy week celebrations. Today we recall to mind Jesus' entry into the city of Jerusalem to accomplish the Pascal mystery. The memorial of that historical event is celebrated during the holy Mass with the blessing of palms followed by procession. Gospel from St. Mark gives us a glimpse of the events of that day when Jesus entered Jerusalem before the Pascal Feast. Thousands of people are in the city. Jesus begins His journey from the village of Bethsaida. He sits on a colt and enters the city with people shouting : "Hosanna to the Son of David". Jesus openly acknowledges  that He is indeed a humble King and the long-awaited Messiah (the anointed one). By His triumphant entry, Jesus invites us to acknowledge Him as our King and Messiah.  

   *First reading is from the book of Isaiah. Prophet Isaiah speaks of the suffering servant of the Lord God, the one who in spite of sufferings and rejection, carries out his mission. He totally trusts in the providence and the guidance of the Lord God. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians. Paul firmly asserts that Jesus was indeed in the form of God. But He becomes human and He humbles Himself and becomes obedient unto death so that we all might be saved. Jesus accepts death on the cross but the Father has made Him Lord of heaven and earth. Paul reminds us that humiliation, sufferings and death are necessary pre-condition to enter into heavenly glory. 

The Passion narrative                                                                   Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark's narration of the passion and death of Jesus. In the first part of today's Gospel, we have the scene from the Last Supper where Jesus institutes the Eucharist and gives Himself to His beloved disciples in the form of bread and wine. In the second part, Jesus prays at the garden of Gethsemane where He is deeply disturbed and troubled. In the garden, Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot and later Peter denies Him three times. In the third and final part, Jesus is condemned to die on the cross by the Roman Governor Pilate who was pressurized by the Jewish authorities. When Jesus hangs on the cross, He is derided and ridiculed. At the point of death of Jesus, a Roman soldier makes a profession of faith in the crucified Son of God. The happenings of the Holy week give us an opportunity to look at our own lives. We must accept our many sins and failures. Let us stop blaming circumstances and other people. What shines out from this dark week is the bright light of Christ's love for us. LET THE PASSION STORY INSPIRE US TO TRY IN OUR OWN WAY TO IMITATE THE CHRIST CRUCIFIED. 

"Palm Sunday tells us that... it is the cross that is the true tree of life." - Pope Benedict XVI

"Ride on... ride on in majesty. In lowly pomp ride on to die. O Christ, thy triumph now begin O'er captive death and conquered sin." - Henry H Millman

 

Fifth Sunday of Lent: B: March 17, 2024

THE GRAIN OF WHEAT MUST DIE TO BEAR FRUIT

First Reading: Jeremiah 31: 31-34

Second Reading: Hebrews 5: 7-9

Gospel Reading: John 12: 20-23

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah assures the people of Israel that the Lord God will not forsake them. He tells them that the Lord God will make a new covenant with Israel. The knowledge of the Lord God and His unconditional forgiveness will be the hallmark of the new covenant. The new covenant will be written in their hearts and the Lord God will not remember their sins anymore. This is the wonderful assurance given by the Lord for everyone of us. 

   *Second reading is from the book of Hebrews. A detailed account of the passion and the anguish which Jesus had to undergo is given. He prays with loud cries in moments of His painful sufferings especially during His passion. In this way, He not only gives us an example but also because of us, Jesus becomes the source of eternal life. By His sufferings, Jesus atones for the disobedience of humankind. 

Gaining and losing life                                                                             Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The imminent death of Jesus is predicted. Jesus knows that He has to suffer and die. He must face the loss of His freedom, the loss of His friends, the loss of support from the heavenly Father and finally the loss of His own life. He knows that His pain and losses cannot be avoided if the Father's name is to be glorified. Jesus' radical act of self-giving stands at the center of our lives. Jesus compares Himself to a grain of wheat that dies in order to bear much fruit. The great loss of Jesus' life has become the very ground of our hope. Often, we too are at a loss to explain our own losses: Our sufferings, pains and rejections.  Dying to one's own self would mean sacrificing ourselves for the sake of others. Dying to self is a gradual process. It can be expressed in the following words: "Every act of love involves dying to selfishness. Every act of kindness involves dying to meanness. Every act of courage involves dying to cowardice. Every act of forgiveness involves dying to bitterness." -F. MaCarthy

(Please note: "Sunday Homilies with Fr. Joy Joseph svd"  is available on YouTube. The link is : Fifth Sunday of Lent: B)

Fourth Sunday of Lent: B: March 10, 2024

 THE UNENDING LOVE OF GOD FOR HUMANKIND

First Reading: 2 Chronicles 36: 14-16 and 19-23

Second Reading: Ephesians 2: 4-10

Gospel Reading: John 3: 14-21

   *First reading is from the second book of Chronicles. Details of the conquest of Israel by Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon is described. Jerusalem temple is totally destroyed by the invading army. The people of Israel are taken to Babylon as captives. They suffer much for over sixty years under Babylon. The Lord God shows mercy and kindness on His chosen people and kindles their hope of liberation when Cyrus becomes the King of Babylon. Through an edict, Cyrus frees them from their slavery and shame.  

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Ephesus and us that God has shown great love and mercy to us. He emphasizes the gratuitousness of the gift of faith we have received. He cautions us not to take our salvation as the fruit of our works but as a result of God's grace working in us. 

God sent His Son Jesus                                                                        Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The wonderful and great love of God for humankind is expressed by John. The primary meaning of the passage speaks about our life after death. It gives us an assurance of a continuation of our life after death: That is eternal life. The secondary meaning of this passage tells us about our eternal life even now with the coming of Jesus, the Son of God. God sent His beloved Son to be with us every moment of our lives. If we believe in Jesus, we will live with Him. Through our life united with Jesus, we receive the assurance and the strength to overcome everyone of our crisis and problems. Lent is the chosen time to experience the great love of God through His Son Jesus. 

"When one loves, one does not calculate." - St. Theresa of Lisieux

" Love begins at home and it is not how much we do but how much love we put in that action." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

"No reason needed for loving>" - Paulo Coelho

(Please note: "Sunday Homilies with Fr. Joy Joseph svd"  is available on YouTube for the Fourth Sunday of Lent: B)

Third Sunday of Lent: B: March 3, 2024

              MY HOUSE IS A HOUSE OF PRAYER

First Reading: Exodus 20: 1-17

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1: 22-25

Gospel Reading: John 2: 13-25

   *First reading is from the book of Exodus. A description of how the Lord God gave ten commandments to Moses is given. Instructions regarding how these commandments are to be observed by the chosen people of God are mentioned. These commandments are the road map for the people to lead a holy life pleasing to the Lord God. They are told to observe them to have the special relationship with Him. Hence, these commandments regulate and govern them to have proper relationship with fellow-humans and the Lord God. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul is at great pains to explain to the Christian community at Corinth that the crucified Christ is a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks. But in truth, He is the power and the wisdom of God. 

Jesus cleanses the Jerusalem temple                                                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The demeaning happenings at the Jerusalem temple when Jesus arrives there with His disciples are narrated. Often in the Gospels we meet a Jesus who is compassionate, kind and forgiving. But in the Gospel narrative, we meet a Jesus who is full of zeal for His Father's house. The context is: The misuse or abuse of the temple and its premises where less of worship of God and more of trading and business was taking place. People from different parts of the world come to Jerusalem temple to offer sacrifices, worship and prayers. As a result, the temple premises looked more like a market place rather than a place of worship. There are money changers, those who sell pigeons, goats and various other sacrificial animals. Jesus is deeply disturbed and pained to see all these unholy activities taking place there. He is disgusted by the constant desecration of the temple and its premises. So He tells them: "You shall not make my Father's house into a house of trade". He makes a whip and drives out all those who are buying and selling and exchanging money. This action of Jesus should make us reflect and stand against any distortion of values in the Church and in the society at large. It is a specific warning for all of us not to make places of worship into places of business. 

"The risen Lord is the new Temple, the real meeting place between God and man." - Pope Benedict XVI

(Please note: "Sunday Homilies with Fr. Joy Joseph svd" is available on YouTube for 'Third Sunday of Lent:B)

Second Sunday of Lent: B: February 25, 2024

             THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS

First Reading: Genesis 22: 1-2, 9-13 and 15-18

Second Reading: Romans 8: 31-34

Gospel Reading: Mark 9: 2-10

   *First reading is from the book of Genesis. The story of Abraham, the father of faith is narrated in detail. In spite of his total faithfulness to the Lord God, Abraham is severely tested by the Lord God. Sara and Abraham are advanced in age when they are blessed with a son as promised by the Lord God. But unexpectedly, the Lord God asks Abraham to offer Isaac  his beloved son as a sacrificial offering. Abraham is confused and heartbroken. But he does not falter and decides to sacrifice Isaac as asked by the Lord God. When about to sacrifice his son, the Lord God spares his son. Instead, Abraham is told to sacrifice a ram. Seeing his total trust and obedience to Him, Abraham is blessed by the Lord God. He is told that his descendants would be as many as the stars in heaven. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul instructs the Christian community in Rome and us that in Jesus we have an intermediary who will never fail us. He assures us that if God is for us, who can be against us? Through these encouraging words, Paul speaks to us about the depth of God's love for us. He reminds us that God did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us. 

Jesus' transfiguration on Mount Tabor                                                     Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. The transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor and subsequent revelations are narrated in detail. Jesus with three of His beloved disciples climbs the mountain. On the mountain top, He is transfigured in the presence of His disciples. He is covered in heavenly glory. The disciples are overwhelmed and are very happy by this heavenly experience. The presence of Moses and Elijah- two towering figures of Old Testament- is a sign that Jesus is the fulfilment of all that had been foretold in the past. Jesus' momentary change of bodily appearance and the voice of the heavenly Father confirms that Jesus is truly sent by God the Father. The transfiguration event is both comforting and challenging for us. It is comforting because we know that our Lord and Saviour Jesus is truly the Son of God and beloved of the Father. It is challenging because the Father invites us to listen to His Son and follow His teachings and be true witnesses to Him in our lives. If we are faithful to the Lord, we too will one day experience His heavenly glory.

"At His transfiguration, Christ showed His disciples the splendor of His heavenly beauty to which He will shape and colour those who are His." - St. Thomas Aquinas

(Please note: "Sunday Homilies with Fr. Joy Joseph svd" is available on YouTube- Second Sunday of Lent B)

First Sunday of Lent: B: February 18, 2024

      JESUS' CALL TO REPENTANCE

First Reading: Genesis 9: 8-15

Second Reading: 1 Peter 3: 18-22

Gospel Reading: Mark 1: 12-15

   *First reading is from the book of Genesis. A description of the floods that took place at the time of Noah is given. After the floods, the Lord God makes a covenant with Noah and promises that there will never again be such a deluge. The Lord God's pact with Noah and his sons tells us about His unfailing fidelity and benevolence towards humankind. The appearance of the rainbow is mentioned as sign of the covenant between the Lord God and humankind. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Peter. The flood waters at the time of Noah and the waters of baptism are compared. St. Peter tells us that the waters of flood during the time of Noah symbolizes the waters of our baptism by which we are saved. As Noah and his family were saved, it is through our baptism that we are saved and we enter into a new covenant and a new relationship with God. Peter exhorts all of us to live according to the Christian faith, no matter what trials we have to endure because of it. 

The temptations of Jesus                                                                   Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A brief narration of the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness is given. Jesus goes through a time of serious reflections and faces many challenges during those days in the desert before starting His public life. We know from past experiences that athletes prepare themselves for long duration before an important event. Similarly, professionals and artists rehearse painstakingly for long hours. Before starting His public ministry, Jesus goes to the desert to prepare Himself for the task entrusted to Him by the heavenly Father.  St. Mark narrates Jesus' going into the desert to combat the devil and concludes the narrative with His victorious emergence. Jesus emerges from His forty days of fasting and prayer and prepares Himself for the ultimate victory over Satan and evil powers. As we enter the holy season of Lent, like Jesus, we need to renew ourselves spiritually by fasting, prayer and almsgiving. In a sense, we too go into the desert with Jesus. We are urged to keep in mind the last verse of today's Gospel throughout Lent: "Repent and believe in the Gospel." -Mark 1:15

"Lent comes providentially to reawaken us to shake us from our lethargy." - Pope Francis

"As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus' thirst... Repent and believe... Jesus tells us." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

" Lent is a time to renew wherever we are in that process, that I call divine therapy." - Thomas Keating

(Please note: "Sunday Homilies with Fr. Joy Joseph svd"  is available on YouTube for the First Sunday of Lent: B)

Sixth Sunday of the Year: B: February 11, 2024

                 JESUS HEALS A LEPER

First Reading: Leviticus 13: 1-2 and 44-48

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10: 31 to 11: 1

Gospel Reading: Mark 1: 40-45

   *First reading is from the book of Leviticus. The wretched and inhuman conditions of the lepers in the Old Testament times are described in detail. During those days, leprosy was considered incurable and made a person physically, mentally and socially an outcast from the society. He/she faced excommunication from the community. As long as the disease lasted,  lepers were forced to stay out of their homes and live in  secluded places. Ritually also, lepers were considered unclean and they were forced to live far away from any human habitations. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul urges Christians in Corinth not to offend anyone but to do good to everyone at all times. He reminds the Christian community at Corinth and all of us that in whatever we do we have to give glory to God the Father. He gives his own example and reminds us that he gives glory to God by being a perfect imitator of Jesus Christ and does everything for the good of others. 

"I will; be clean."                                                                            Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. It narrates the dramatic way Jesus heals a leper. This man implores Jesus to heal him of his leprosy. Immediately, Jesus stretches out his hand, touches him and heals him. The leprosy mentioned in the Gospel symbolizes all the external and internal illnesses that we suffer from. While healing the leper, Jesus does the unthinkable for a Jew of that time to do. He reaches out and touches this suffering man. Jesus could very well heal the man without touching him. But by this action, Jesus gives him dignity and shows that this leper too is very precious in the eyes of God. By His touch and consoling words, Jesus not only heals the wounds and pains of leprosy but also the wounds caused by rejection and alienation which are inflicted on him by the community. St. Damien of Molokai is a prime example of a person who tried to emulate Jesus by his love, compassion, concern and care for lepers. After working several years for the well-being of lepers, he too contracted leprosy and died of leprosy. The following words are written on his tomb: "Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13:8

"The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis but rather the feeling of being unwanted." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

 

Fifth Sunday of the Year: B: February 4, 2024

        THE HEALING MINISTRY OF JESUS

First Reading: Job 7: 1-4 and 6-7

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9: 16-19 and 22-23

Gospel Reading: Mark 1: 29-39

   *First reading is from the book of Job. A graphic description of how Job, a just man, comes to grip with the problem of sufferings during his life is given. Job is severely tested by Satan. The Lord God allows Job to be tested by the adversary. He loses his beloved children and all his vast possessions. He is afflicted by pain and sickness. He feels that there is only misery and sufferings in this world. For all his deliberations about the cause of his sufferings, He is unable to find a convincing answer. Some time or other, we too may face the problem of sufferings in our lives without any reasonable explanations. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Corinth and to us the compulsions of preaching the Gospel. To that end, he has become all things to all: Even to the weak and those who suffer. He has no choice but to preach the Gospel because he is commissioned to do so by the Lord Jesus. 

He healed many who were sick                                                                Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. During His public ministry, Jesus expresses His love and compassion for the sick and those suffering from various diseases. He visits Simon Peter's mother-in-law who was bedridden with fever. He stretches out His hands and heals her. In the same way, Jesus heals many who were sick and those possessed by evil spirits. Jesus gives us no answers about the question of sufferings in this world. Nor does He try to explain why people have to suffer. However, through His healing ministry, He shows us the importance of transforming our sufferings and other's sufferings and pain to divine experiences. By identifying Himself with the sick and the dying and His death on the cross, He teaches us how to face sufferings in our lives. Jesus reveals to us that sufferings are part of  the mysterious plan of God. It all depends on us how to shoulder our cross; for by uniting our trials with Jesus, we too can become victorious and lead meaningful lives. Like Jesus, we His followers are invited to bring healing and solace to someone: May be by a word of sympathy or by a kind and loving gesture or by a silent prayer. That is what Jesus wants us to do when we meet people who suffer. In the second part of the Gospel, we see that after His healing ministry, Jesus goes to a lonely place to pray. In spite of His busy day, Jesus finds time to be in communion with the heavenly Father. All our busy life and activities should be constantly nourished by prayer. 

"How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer's ears! It sooths his sorrows, heals his wounds and drives away his fear." - John Newton

"Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will bring healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones." - Proverbs 3: 7-8

Fourth Sunday of the Year: B: January 28, 2024

                     THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS

First Reading: Deuteronomy 18: 15-20

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7: 32-35

Gospel Reading: Mark 1: 21-28

   *First reading is from the book of Deuteronomy. Moses instructs the people of Israel that the Lord God will send and outstanding Prophet who will proclaim His message and lead them to the Lord God. The Lord God will put words into the mouth of the Prophet and he will speak with authority. This prophecy of Moses finds its fulfilment in Lord Jesus. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul reminds the Christian community at Corinth and us that whether married or unmarried, we are called to holiness of life and to live with an undivided devotion to God. He urges those who are celibate to give their undivided attention to the Lord. He wishes that all of us be free from all worries so as to give total attention to Lord Jesus and His message. 

With authority He commands                                                                  Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. We have a specific example of how Jesus speaks with great authority during His public life. Only a genuine person can speak with authority. At that time, there were many teachers of the law: The Scribes and the Pharisees. But none of them could speak with authority. Jesus speaks with authority because he had the approval of the heavenly Father and He was filled with the Holy Spirit. He is convinced of what He says and He speaks what He believes in. In the second part of today's Gospel, we have some examples of how Jesus exercised His authority. A person possessed by an evil spirit is brought to the Lord. Jesus commands and the evil spirit leaves that person and he is totally freed from the power of evil. Today, we are living in a world where many people are possessed by various evils. They are the people who are haunted by fear, worries, anxieties, suicidal tendencies, various addictions and many other evil habits. Jesus' authority and power is necessary to heal these unfortunate people. Hence, Jesus exercises His authority to liberate people and to heal them. He brings them closer to the love of the heavenly Father. The prophecy of Moses regarding the coming of a great Prophet finds its fulfilment in Jesus. More than ever, today we are faced with scepticism about many people in authority both in the secular sphere and in the religious sphere. Unlike them, Jesus speaks with authority because He speaks the truth and He backs up His words with His deeds. 

"All authority in heaven and earth is given to me." - Matthew 28:18

"Authority exercised with humility and obedience accepted with delight are the very lines along which our spirits live." - C. S. Lewis

Third Sunday of the Year: B: January 21, 2024

                        THE CALL TO REPENTANCE

First Reading: Jonah 3: 1-5 and 10

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31

Gospel Reading:  Mark 1: 14-20

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jonah. A description of how the Lord God sent Prophet Jonah to Nineveh is given. Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria - the bitter enemy of Israel. Jonah wants the city and its inhabitants to be destroyed. But the Lord God instructs Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach His Word. The Lord God wants the Ninevites to repent and renounce their sinful ways. Jonah is very reluctant to go there and he gives many excuses for not going to Nineveh. When Jonah preaches, the people of Nineveh, from the greatest to the least, repent and do penance. The Lord God spares the city from impending punishment and destruction.

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul exhorts the Christian community at the port city of Corinth to abandon their old sinful ways to follow the teaching of the Lord Jesus. He encourages them to consider the values of the Kingdom of God  above everything else. He instructs them and us that after experiencing the love of Christ, an attitude of detachment to worldly pleasures is a must. 

The Kingdom of God is at hand                                                                  Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A description of the beginning of Jesus' ministry with the announcement of the Good News is given: "The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Good News" is the keynote. Through this announcement, Jesus tells us the following: 1. Repentance means experiencing conversion - a new way of life. It is a turning away from sin and turning to God's ways. The call to repentance is inclusive of everyone. 2. The good news is that forgiveness is available and recovery is possible. One can find one's true self even after the most disheartening fall or series of falls. We can come back to the Father's love where not judgement but welcome awaits us. In spite of our many failures and sins, we are very much loved unconditionally by God our loving Father. His love, His mercy and His forgiveness are available to us through His beloved Son Jesus. All we need to do is to recognize our need and seek His help with humility and sincerity. For Jesus invites us to repentance and to the good news of the Kingdom. 

"Deep sorrow does not come because one has violated a law, but only if one knows he has broken off the relationship with Divine Love. But there is yet another element required for regeneration, the element of repentance and reparation." -Arch Bishop Fulton J Sheen

Second Sunday of the Year: B: January 14, 2024

                         THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

First Reading: 1 Samuel 3: 3-10 and 19

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 6: 13-15 and 17-20

Gospel Reading: John 1: 35-42

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Samuel. An account of the call of young Samuel by the Lord God is given. Samuel responds to the call of the Lord God whole-heartedly and unconditionally. He totally submits to the Lord God. He says, "Speak, for thy servant hears". It is through the Prophet Samuel that the Lord God guided the chosen people to become a great nation. The call of Samuel is an example of the mysterious and hidden ways in which the Lord God acts. By listening and obeying the Lord God, Samuel became the liberator of the people of God. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul writes this letter to Christians in Corinth, a port city where people were living in sexual immorality. Paul instructs them and us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and hence, we must not indulge in sinful ways but use our bodies for the glory of God. Because of our call to be holy, we have to live up to the image of God and be a source of blessings to our brothers and sisters. 

The call of the first disciples                                                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. John narrates the call of the first disciples of Jesus. Andrew and his brother Peter have their first encounter with Jesus near the sea of Galilee. It is not a mere casual meeting but rather a meeting of hearts. Sometimes when people meet it can be a mere formality. But in an encounter, people open their hearts to one another and share their innermost ideas and concerns. This encounter between Jesus and His first disciples changes their lives. For the next three years they would really know who Jesus is and they would experience His constant companionship. Jesus invites His first disciple with the words, "Come and see". He is inviting us too in the same way. If we accept His invitation, He will reveal His real self to us and the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Most of us can recall from past some encounters with another person/persons that had a lasting influence or changed our lives or made a firm impression in our lives. The question is: "Are we prepared to accept the invitation of the Lord Jesus?"

"Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Discipleship is crucial to our ultimate destiny, but its cost is total commitment." - David Jeremiah

The Feast of Epiphany :B: January 7, 2023

 THE THREE WISE MEN FROM THE EAST VISIT CHILD JESUS

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. A reference to the joyful return of the Jewish people from exile to the holy city of Jerusalem is mentioned in the first part of the passage. They find their beloved Jerusalem in total ruins. Isaiah encourages them and cheers them up with a vision of the future restored city. In the second part, the final pilgrimage of the people of God to the heavenly Jerusalem is mentioned. This prophecy of Isaiah has some echoes in today's feast of Epiphany.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Ephesus that God invites the Jews and Gentiles (all people) 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 everyone - Jews and Gentiles- live in harmony as members of the body of Christ. 

The Epiphany: The manifestation of the Lord to the whole world                                 Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. An account of how the three wise men from the east came to Bethlehem to pay homage to infant Jesus is given. They pay homage and offer their precious gifts to the divine child. Jewish leaders ignore or reject the infant in the manger and some even plot to kill Him. But the three wise men left their home-lands and comfort zones in search of the divine child. The story of the wise men is the story of all genuine seekers of faith. They leave everything precious to them and are guided by a star. They diligently search for the child Jesus. When they find Him, they worship Him. Hence the Gospel story gives us three important messages: 1. It speaks of the journey of the three wise men from the east to Bethlehem. Their journey is a symbol of the search for truth by genuine seekers of God. 2. The meeting between the wise men and King Herod reminds us that people in authority and power try to suppress and even try to 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 they totally surrender themselves to the Almighty.