Eighteenth Sunday of the Year: B: August 4, 2024

                    JESUS THE BREAD OF LIFE

First Reading: Exodus 16: 2-4 and 12-15

Second Reading: Ephesians 6: 17 and 20-24

Gospel Reading: John 6: 24-35

  *First reading is from the book of Exodus. On their journey to the promised land, the Jewish people have much struggles through the desert for forty years. When hungry, they bitterly complain and murmur against Moses and the Lord God who liberated them from the slavery of Egypt. The Lord God listens to their complaints and provides them with manna (bread) and quails for their food. Moses tells them that the Lord God is providing them manna (bread). Thus manna becomes the pre-figuration of the living bread (Eucharist) that Jesus gives us for our eternal life. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul urges the Christian community at Ephesus to leave their former nature and former sinful way of life which was corrupt and deceitful. He pleads with them to accept the new way of life in the likeness of God, which is righteousness and holiness. 

Believe in Him, whom God has sent                                                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. After Jesus multiplies the loaves and feeds the five thousand, people are very excited and happy with Jesus. They feel that He is a permanent solution to their problems, especially hunger. They are in search of Him. Jesus is not very amused by this situation. He bluntly tells them that they are merely looking for signs and perishable food. After feeding the people with ordinary bread, Jesus offers them something far better: "The bread of eternal life." He takes this opportunity to teach them about the imperishable and life-giving food that will lead them to eternal life. To obtain this eternal life, they have to believe in the one sent by God. After His discourse on eternal life, people ask for a sign from Jesus: Like what Moses did when he gave them food (manna) from heaven. At this juncture, Jesus finally reveals Himself by telling them: "I am the bread of life, he who comes to me shall not hunger and he who believes in me will never thirst" (John 6:35). Often, we too are like the Jews of that time. We too look for various signs and immediate benefits rather than lasting solutions: Short-term happiness, without genuinely looking for lasting and permanent solutions to our problems in life. The great Russian writer Solzhenitsyn puts it this way: "People don't know what they are striving for. They exhaust themselves in the senseless pursuit of material things and die without realizing their spiritual greatness." In this context, Fr. F. McCarthy says: "It is in our emptiness that we are filled. It is in our confusions that we are guided. It is in our weakness that we are strengthened. It is in our sins that we are forgiven. It is in our hunger that we are fed." Jesus said: "Blessed are the hungry, for they shall get their fill." Lord, we turn to you for that food which endures to eternal life which you alone can provide us, as we journey through this life. May the good and loving Lord bless you all and fill you with the food that lasts forever. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph" on Google search. Thanks.)

Seventeenth Sunday of the Year: B: July 28, 2024

 JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND IN A DESERTED PLACE

First Reading: 2 Kings 4: 42-44

Second Reading: Ephesians 4: 1-6

Gospel Reading: John 6: 1-15

   *First reading is from the second book of Kings. Prophet Elisha miraculously feeds 100 men. He instructs his servant to feed 100 men with 20 barley loaves. The servant is reluctant and doubtful of feeding them. But Elisha insists that the Lord God has assured him that even after feeding all of them, there would be left over food. It happens as the Prophet told the servant. The hand of the Lord God is instrumental in this miracle. It is a sign of Lord God's concern for the people. 

  *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul pleads with the Ephesian Christian community to lead a life worthy of their call. They are asked to remain in unity and harmony. Paul explains to them that they are called to be part of one body of Christ and share in the one Spirit (Holy Spirit) who is the ultimate source of everything. This trinitarian unity of purpose that Paul mentions should be visible in the life of every Christian in every situation in life. 

Jesus feeds the five thousand people miraculously                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. On that particular day, Jesus works a great miracle by feeding the five thousand people with five loaves and two fish. A large crowd follows Jesus. They listen to His life-giving words to the extent that they forget their hunger. Jesus is very much concerned about their wellbeing. Jesus asks His disciples to find some food for the hungry crowd. Philip, one of the disciples, tells Jesus that it would require a large sum of money to feed them even if food could be purchased. Jesus is not discouraged by this reply of Philip. He immediately makes use of the available resources: Five loaves and two fish which a little boy had brought along. He instructs the disciples to make the crowd sit down on the grass. Jesus takes the bread and fish, gives thanks to God the Father and blesses the food and gives it to the disciples to distribute it to the hungry people. To everyone's amazement, all of them eat their fill - more than 5,000  people. Later, disciples collect twelve baskets full of broken pieces. This miracle is a pre-figuration of the Eucharistic meal - the heavenly banquet where Jesus feeds not just 5,000 people but everyone who believes in Him. This miracle of multiplication of loaves is possible even today. 1. When we are ready to share the little (five loaves) we have with others in need. 2. When we humbly realize our own limitations and ask for God's grace and blessings.  M.K. Gandhi once said: "There are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread." In this context, C.B. Buenafe says: "Every miracle must be seen through the eyes of faith. The everyday miracle is when one is willing to share with others what he/she has lovingly received. It is a miracle that is happening everyday when we share love and care for others." Great Russian writer, Solzhenitsyn writes: "Hunger rules the world. It rules every human being." May the good Lord bless everyone of you and inspire you to share your resources with others in need and become an instrument of God's generosity, love and concern. Amen. 

(Kindly note: 'Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph" on Google search. Thanks.)

Sixteenth Sunday of the Year: B: July 21, 2024

 JESUS THE COMPASSIONATE AND KIND SHEPHERD

First Reading: Jeremiah 23: 1-6

Second Reading: Ephesians 2: 13-18

Gospel Reading: Mark 6: 30-34

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah sternly warns the leaders of Israel regarding their laxity and unfaithfulness in their duty of taking care of the chosen people of the Lord God. Instead of looking after the needs of the people, they scatter them. Through Jeremiah, the Lord God severely indicts the shepherds of Israel who neglected their flock. The Lord God promises that He will send a Shepherd who will take care of His flock. The promised future leader will be from the lineage of King David - an allusion to Jesus, the future Messiah.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul reminds the Ephesian Christian community that Christ has brought unity of brotherhood to Jews and Gentiles. He has broken all types of hostility and barriers among the people and united all people as children of one Father in heaven. By His death, Christ broke down the wall that divided Jews and Gentiles. Hence, Christ brings peace to everyone who acknowledges Him as his/her saviour and Lord. 

Jesus the compassionate Shepherd                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A short description about the return of the twelve Apostles after their missionary journey is given. Jesus invites them to come to a lonely place to take some rest. But this rest is very short because of the crowds coming there to listen to the precious words of Jesus and to be healed by Him. Jesus is very much moved with compassion for them and expresses His anguish by saying: 'They are like sheep without a shepherd.' This incident reminds us that even in our busiest days of relentless activities, we need to take adequate rest in the presence of the Lord. It can be any place of our choice: In the quietness of the Chapel, where the Lord is sacramentally present or it can be a corner of our room or in the garden, where we can quietly listen to the comforting and soothing words of the loving and compassionate Shepherd. When we listen to the Lord, we are able to discover deep within  us a new source of strength and energy. As we experience the love and care of the Good Shepherd, we in turn are invited to make use of this gift to care for and to be compassionate to others in need. Those who encountered Christ, especially the Apostles and saints, had an anchor in their lives. That anchor is the care and concern of the Good Shepherd. Let us emulate their example in our own lives. Biblical Resource says: "While there is always more to be done, we have to choose how to use our time."  Jesus said to His disciples: 'Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give to rest. Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls". May the  Good Shepherd bless you all and may you find time to listen to the Lord and be blessed by Him and in turn be a blessing to others who are in need. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph" on Google search. Thanks.)

Fifteenth Sunday of the Year: B: July 14, 2024

JESUS SHARES HIS MISSION WITH HIS APOSTLES

First Reading: Amos 7: 12-15

Second Reading: Ephesians 1: 3-14

Gospel Reading: Mark 6: 7-13

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Amos. Prophet Amos is a great champion of social justice. The Lord God sends Amos to King Amaziah. The King is very unhappy and angry with Amos. He is warned not to prophesy in Bethel where the King resides. When Amos continues to prophesy as instructed by the Lord God, he is expelled from the kingdom. In spite of various problems, rejection and threats from the King, Amos is not discouraged or frightened. He tells Amaziah that the Lord God has commanded him to go to the people of Israel and prophesy. Although Prophet Amos faces many hardships and opposition, he is totally faithful to the task entrusted to him by the Lord God. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. We have a hymn of thanksgiving to God for the great spiritual gifts received through Jesus Christ. The Christians in Ephesus are brought to faith by the efforts of St. Paul. He encourages them to be always faithful to the teachings he had handed over to them. He instructs them that God's will is the sole source of our Christian vocation and of our holiness. Paul expresses his thankfulness to God for the many spiritual gifts that he received through Lord Jesus. 

Jesus calls the twelve and sends them out two by two                                             Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. The detailed instructions given by Jesus to His twelve Apostles before their mission journey are narrated. They are told to preach and to do the works that Jesus Himself had done so far. Their three-fold duties are: 1. To announce that the Kingdom of God has come. 2. To heal the sick. 3. To cast our demons. He instructs that they are to take nothing for their mission journey: No money, no extra clothing, not even a staff which is ordinarily carried by travelers to protect themselves from attacks of thieves and wild animals. Disciples of Jesus are to depend entirely on the providence of God during their mission journeys. Further, we observe that Jesus does not hesitate to involve the Apostles actively in His work in spite of the fact that most of them were illiterate fishermen with little or no experience in preaching and healing. Jesus invites everyone of us to continue His mission in the world around us. In spite of our inexperience and lack of expertise, He wants us to do our part, however small that may be. The mission of Jesus is very simple. As St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said: "We can do no great things. Only little things with great love. You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do something beautiful for God." All of us without exception are invited to continue the mission of Jesus and to transmit our faith to others as the Apostles did. Jesus wants us to be part of His work too. Each of us is responsible for a small corner of this world where it is up to us to make the presence of Christ felt. Albert Camus, a philosopher, once said: "When you have seen a glow of happiness on the face of a beloved person, you know that a man can have no other vocation than to awaken that light on the faces surrounding him." May the good Lord bless you all and entrust you with greater responsibilities in continuing His mission. Amen.

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph" on Google search. Thanks.)

Fourteenth Sunday of the Year: B: July 7, 2024

 REJECTING MESSENGERS OF GOD

First Reading: Ezekiel 2: 2-5

Second Reading : 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10

Gospel Reading: Mark 6: 1-6

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. The Lord God sends several prophets to the people of Israel to correct their sinful ways. But the people rebel against Lord God's prophets and refuse to obey the Lord God. Ezekiel is sent by the Lord God to speak to the people in His name. As a result of his preaching, Ezekiel  has to face much persecutions, rejections and scorn from the people because he spoke in the name of the Lord God. Ezekiel is in distress that people do not want to change their ways and return to the Lord God. 

   *Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul admits that he too has many weaknesses although he received many revelations and blessings from God. However, Paul is not discouraged or disillusioned because Lord Jesus assures him that: 'My grace is sufficient for you.' This assurance of the Lord is for all of us, who are troubled and disturbed by our many weaknesses and failures and day-to-day problems. Paul assures us that when we trust in the grace of God, our weaknesses become a source of strength because we are no more trusting in ourselves but in the powerful grace of God. Hence, Paul could firmly say: 'When I am weak, then I am strong.'

Jesus' rejection at Nazareth                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. During His public life, Jesus goes around preaching, teaching and healing in many towns and villages in Judea, Samaria and Galilee. Finally, He comes to Nazareth, His home town, where He was brought up and where His kith and kin live. Although Jesus by now had a great reputation as a great prophet all over Palestine, His own people fail to recognize Him and do not acclaim Him when He comes there. Ironically, instead of admiration and validation, He faces scorn and ridicule. Their attitude is: 'After all, He is a carpenter's son. We know His family background.' They do not want to accept the fact that God is in their midst and He communicates through Jesus, a carpenter's son. Jesus is totally disappointed and disillusioned by their scornful attitude. Hence, He says: 'No prophet is acceptable in his own country, in his own relations and in his own house.' On several occasions in the past, we might have rejected God and His chosen messengers. It may also happen that we have faced rejections and scorn from our own family or in our community. Jesus has shown us the way to deal with such situations in life. He does not stop His ministry because the people of Nazareth rejected Him. He does not blame others or God for His failures and lack of acceptance among the people of Nazareth. He takes it on His stride. Nazareth marks a learning experience in the life of Jesus. A proverb says: "Familiarity breeds contempt." May Jesus open our hearts to hear what His prophets are saying to us; sometimes to provoke and rebuke us and at other times, to inspire and encourage us. May He also increase our faith so that we can respond to His prophetic message and allow Him to work  in and through us. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph" on Google search. Thanks.)