The Feast of the Holy Family: December 29, 2024

 THE HOLY FAMILY : A MODEL FAMILY

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

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 12 to 21

Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 41 to 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: Boy Jesus is 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 in the world. But unfortunately, it is not a place of total tranquility if we assume it to be so. Joseph, Mary and 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 is 12 years old, the Holy Family goes to the Jerusalem temple for the Passover feast. After the feast, when the celebrations are over, on their return journey, Mary and Joseph realize that boy Jesus is not with them. They search diligently for the child for three agonizing days with heavy hearts. Finally they find boy Jesus in the temple. Mary expresses her anguish and pain to Jesus. He simply tells her: "Do you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" Although Jesus is well aware of His mission entrusted to Him by the Heavenly Father, He obediently  goes to Nazareth  with His parents, respecting their wishes. He does not want to hurt them and He continues to prepare for His public ministry, remaining with them, till it begins. Holy Family gives us some wonderful lessons as to how we should deal with the many crises in our family life: Not by blaming one another but by going forward in faith with love and concern for one another. From the Gospels we realize that, just as every family has to face many day to day problems and challenges, so also the Holy Family had many challenges to deal with. Mary and Joseph had more than their share of problems and difficulties from the time the angel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear a Son who would be called God with us (Emmanuel), till the death of Jesus on the cross. Just as the Holy Family overcame all  the challenges and difficulties through their love for each other and being faithful to God, today we pray that all families will conquer the many challenges through love for each other and faith in the providence of God. Here is a thought for those parents who say that they do not understand their children. Khalil Gibran gives us this message: "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 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."

May the Holy Family bless you and all families with love, compassion, kindness and mutual respect and lead you to the love of God. 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, December 29, 2024. Thanks.)

Christmas: C: December 25, 2024

THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST, THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD

First Reading: Isaiah 9: 2 to 7

Second Reading: Titus 2: 11 to 14

Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 1 to 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 prophesies that the child to be born will  be a wonderful counsellor,  mighty God, everlasting Father and Prince of peace. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfilment and meaning at 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 religious lives because God in Christ has brought about salvation to everyone.

Silent Night...Holy Night... A Saviour is born today                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. A beautiful and touching description about the night of the birth of our Saviour and Lord Jesus is narrated. It is a story of beautiful angels, shepherds and Mother Mary with Child Jesus in the manger. The Christmas story, unlike many other stories, is based on a historical event - the birth of Jesus in space and time. Christmas story also points to the sharp reality of life experienced by a poor family: Mary and Joseph are desperate for a place to welcome the birth of their child. They are a poor family on a long journey with much uncertainty and experience rejection at every step. The baby is born in a manger, where the animals are fed. The poverty and the simplicity of life is seen in the whole story. It is through the eyes and experiences of the poor that we are saved. We are all poor in the sense that we share one small vulnerable planet in this vast universe. Climate changes and its after effects are affecting the lives of everyone in our planet. God's unending love for humankind is personally expressed by 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. At Jesus' birth in the manger, the humble, simple shepherds are privileged to meet the divine Child and receive His blessings. This great event in Bethlehem is at the center of all creation and of all history. Jesus took human form and He will come in glory at the end of times. He teaches us to live the present in patient expectation of the blessed hope of His future coming. Let this Christmas bring us hope, joy and peace in these times of many challenges that we have to face everyday of our lives. In this context, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you... yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand. It is not how much you do, but how much you put in the doing. If we were humble, nothing would change us - neither praise nor discouragement." St. Francis of Assisi says: "Christmas is not a time nor a Season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy is to have the real spirit of Christmas. Christmas is a season not only for rejoicing but of reflection."

May the Divine Child born in Bethlehem bless you with His peace, joy and love that only He can give. Amen.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

(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, December 25, 2024." Thanks.)

Fourth Sunday of Advent: C: December 22, 2024

 BLESSED ARE YOU AMONG WOMEN

First Reading: Micah 5: 2 to 5

Second Reading: Hebrews 10: 5 to 10

Gospel Reading: Luke 1: 39 to 45

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

   *Second reading is from the letter to Hebrews. The purpose of Jesus' coming is explained to us. 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 to the will of God and through His self-sacrifice on the cross, is able to bring about reconciliation between God and humankind. 

The meeting of two holy women: Elizabeth and Blessed Virgin Mary                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. A detailed description regarding the meeting  of Blessed  Mother Mary and her cousin Elizabeth is given. These two saintly women experience the blessings of a loving and living God in their lives. Mary is eager to share her great joy with her cousin. So Mary travels to the hill country where Elizabeth lives. When greeted by Mary, Elizabeth recognizes the great privilege God has bestowed on Mary. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth praises Mary and the uniqueness of the Child in her womb. Elizabeth joyously praises and thanks 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 fulfils the promises foretold by Prophet Micah. The promises of God takes human form in her womb in the person of Jesus. In Mary we see someone who allows  the promise of God to shape her whole life - not in a passive way but positively by her unconditional 'Yes' to God. One great lesson Mary teaches us today is the need to care for the aged. Mary goes to meet Elizabeth and stays with her for three months and takes care of her needs during her pregnancy in her old age. During this season of Advent, we need to cultivate the virtue of kindness. God was so kind to us in sending us His Son Jesus Christ, Mary was kind to Elizabeth by visiting her and serving her when she needed her most. So also our advent preparations will be complete only when we truly serve those in need. Mary knew she is the Mother of God but this did not stop her from being at the service of Elizabeth. We have to learn to forget our wealth, qualifications and positions and try to stoop low to help the numerous people in need of service. Then we will be truly preparing for the coming of the Lord at Christmas. In this final week of Advent, when we are eagerly preparing for Christmas, Elizabeth and Blessed Mother Mary give us some deep insights  as to how we can 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. 4. By serving the needy. In this context St. Ambrose says: "Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit after conceiving John, while Mary is filled with the Holy Spirit before conceiving the Lord." May the Lord Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary bless you  during these days of Advent and Christmas season by giving you the grace to be at the service of people in need, especially the elderly and the sick. 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, December 22, 2024". Thanks.) 

Third Sunday of Advent: C: December 15, 2024

 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. Zephaniah 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 assures them that the Lord God Himself stands in their midst as the King and protector of His people. The Lord God removes the judgement against His chosen people and He turns away their enemies.

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

John the Baptist witnesses to Jesus Christ                                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. People from various walks of life ask John the Baptist what they are expected to do for the coming of the Messiah: The anointed one.  John gives some down-to-earth advice for their consideration and action. He asks them to share their surplus goods and clothes with the hungry and the naked. He advises the tax-collectors not to rob the people but collect only what they are entitled to and nothing more. He instructs the soldiers not to intimidate the common folk and not to use violence. John appreciates and acknowledges the greatness of Jesus. So he tells his disciples: "He who is mightier than I is coming." Hence, John gives witness to Jesus the anointed one. He humbly accepts that he is not the anointed one (The Messiah). John was a contemporary of Jesus. In fact, he was a cousin of Jesus. He was the son of Zachariah and Elizabeth the cousin of Mary the mother of Jesus. John's birth  preceded the birth of Jesus. Yet, John humbly accepts the pre-eminence of Jesus. He always puts Jesus first more than his own self. This is evident from his response: "I must decrease and He must increase", when told that Jesus is baptizing at Jordan and His followers are increasing. 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 and like John we too are called to witness to the Lord in our own little ways. In this context, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "The season of Advent is like spring-time in nature, when everything is renewed and so is fresh and healthy. Advent is also meant to do this for us - to refresh us and to make us healthy to be able to receive Christ in whatever form He may come to us." And Antony Padovano says: "No one can claim to be a follower of Christ and remain entirely unlike the Master whom he professes to love." May the Lord Jesus Bless you abundantly during this holy season of Advent and inspire you to prepare for His coming as John the Baptist did. 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 December 15, 2024". Thanks.) 

Second Sunday of Advent: C: December 8, 2024

 PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD

First Reading: Baruch 5: 1 to 9

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

Gospel Reading: Luke 3: 1 to 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 at the end of times.

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

   *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 very special. He assures them 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.

The call to repentance by John the Baptist                                                     Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. John the Baptist's invitation  to prepare the way of the Lord is narrated in detail. John urges us to prepare the way of the Lord 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 the love of God. Humankind in general is broken, fragmented, damaged and wounded by sin. Hence, we need to recognize this situation to be saved. John proclaims that Jesus is the one who fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, that all humankind will see the salvation of God. In order to prepare for His coming, John invites everyone to prepare the way of the Lord by making His paths straight: All that prevents us from His smooth coming have to be done away with - valleys shall be filled, mountains and hills shall be leveled and crooked ways have to be made straight. In this context Pope Benedict XVI says: "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." Edward Heys adds: "Advent is the perfect time to clean and prepare the way."  And D. Bonhoeffer, a great theologian, says: "Our whole life is Advent. A time of waiting for the ultimate."

Finally, Advent prayer: "Jesus truly is the only one worthy of our focus as we slowdown the maddening rush around our lives, reflecting on the gift of hope, joy and peace that He continually offers us. For He is the one who brings true meaning to Christmas. May He fill afresh with His hope this Advent season, as we press in close to His presence, seeking to know Him more."

May the call of John the Baptist echo in your hearts during this holy season of Advent and help you to prepare the way of the Lord. 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, December 8, 2024." Thanks.)