Fourteenth Sunday of the Year: C: July 6, 2025

               THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL

Introduction: The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few. This is a very optimistic yet relative observation made by Jesus to His disciples before He sends them on a mission journey. He sends seventy-two disciples to the towns and villages in Palestine where He Himself could not go personally: To preach the Gospel, to heal the sick, to cast out demons, to forgive sins, to bring hope and love to the lonely and to the lost and the least. Every Christian is sent by Christ into the world around as a messenger of hope and love. We are all responsible for this mission of Jesus which He entrusted to His disciples. 

First Reading: Isaiah 66: 10 to 14

Second Reading:  Galatians 6: 14 to 18

Gospel Reading: Luke 10: 1 to 12 and 17 to 20

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. During the Babylonian exile, the people of Israel have innumerable persecutions and sufferings. Isaiah consoles them in their sufferings and hardships. He encourages the returned exiles to rebuild the holy city of Jerusalem. Isaiah compares Jerusalem to a nursing mother who tenderly cares for her children: An imagery of peace, contentment and love.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Galatians. Paul instructs the Christian community at Galatia and us that Christian life is a new existence: That is, becoming Christ-like in everything we do or say. Paul explains to them that though he had to suffer much, like illness, flogging and stoning, he bears the marks of Christ's passion on his body. For Paul nothing else matters but to keep Christ crucified ever in mind. 

The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Jesus sends His seventy-two disciples on a mission journey. He strictly instructs them regarding the tough task ahead and the tremendous challenges they will face during their journeys. He challenges them to  lead a radical way of life like that of a wandering preacher: One who faces persecutions, homelessness, loss of family ties and loss of all material comforts. They are not to be encumbered with extra-luggage of any sort. They are not to spend time on the way-side for the so-called chitchats and small talks. They are not to look for comfortable resting places. They are to be content with whatever is available and provided by the people of the town or village. Hence, single-minded devotion to the entrusted task is the hall-mark of a disciple of Jesus. Jesus invites each one of us to continue His mission. Like those seventy-two, Jesus sends us too with the command: 'Be on your way, go into your neighbourhoods, schools, factories and offices and proclaim my peace, heal in my name and make my presence felt wherever you go.' It is up to us to respond whole-heartedly to the invitation of the Lord. In this context St. Francis of Assisi says: "Preach the Gospel always, if necessary use words."

Conclusion: Jesus sent out His seventy-two disciples to all places where He Himself could not go. The messenger does not replace Jesus. He or she is instructed to prepare the way for Jesus to come to the other person. Those seventy-two were sent to gather everyone, to collect the harvest and bring it home. We are sent out in the same way, and that is why all of us, of whatever cultural background or linguistic background, should be gatherers and peacemakers. WE ARE OF THE SEVENTY-TWO.

May the Lord Jesus bless you that you may live up to the many challenges in life in proclaiming His Word to the world around you. 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, July 6, 2025." Thanks.)

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul: Sunday: C: June 29, 2025

YOU ARE PETER AND ON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH

Introduction: Today we celebrate the martyrdom of two great saints: Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Both of them died a martyr's death in AD 67 in Rome. Peter was crucified in Emperor Nero's garden. Paul, being a Roman citizen, was beheaded outside the city of Rome where St. Paul's Basilica exists today. Peter was an illiterate fisherman when called by Jesus. During the public ministry of Jesus, he was a constant companion of Jesus and accompanied Him in all the important events: Transfiguration, miracles performed by Jesus, and finally the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord. Paul was a well-educated Pharisee and he was convinced that the Christians should be eliminated from the face of the earth. But while on his way to Damascus, the risen Lord dramatically encountered him and he became a follower of Jesus. After his conversion, Paul travelled extensively preaching the message of Jesus. He wrote 14 apostolic letters to the communities he founded. Whatever be their differences, Peter and Paul had one thing in common: Both of them had an ardent love for Jesus. They were ready to die for Him although they had their failures: Peter denied Jesus three times, and Paul, before his conversion, persecuted Christians. They are prime examples of the great apostolic works done in the early Church.

First Reading: Acts 12: 1 to 11

Second Reading: 2Timothy 4: 6 to 8 and 17 to 18

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16: 13 to 19

   * First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Peter's imprisonment and his miraculous freedom brought by an angel of the Lord are narrated. The early Christian community at Jerusalem faced severe persecutions and much opposition from the powerful Jewish authorities. But the risen Lord in a very special way intervenes to save them and comforts them in their trials. It is for us to realize that in our most difficult times, the risen Lord comes to our aid and helps us through His graces. 

   *Second reading is from the Second letter of St. Paul to Timothy. Paul shares with  his beloved disciple Timothy that his earthly life is coming to an end. He looks back with immense gratitude and thankfulness to God for His constant support and strength to proclaim the Word of God to the Gentiles (non-Jews). With full confidence in the Lord he says, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.' St. Paul's life should be an inspiration for all of us to lead a life worthy of our call to holiness. 

Peter the Rock                                                                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Jesus asks His disciples: 'Who do people say that I am?' The disciples express various opinions. Some say, John the Baptist who was beheaded by Herod, has come back to life. Another opinion is that, Elijah, one of the great prophets of old, has come back to life. A third opinion is that Jeremiah, who was known as the suffering servant of Yahweh, has come back to life. Yet another opinion is that, one of the prophets of old has come back to life. The true identity of Jesus is not revealed in any of the above answers. Finally, Jesus puts a personal question to His disciples: 'Who do you say that I am?' Peter immediately speaks and publicly confesses: 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' Jesus compliments him and says: 'This revelation is not of human origin but of divine origin.' It has been revealed by the heavenly Father. Further, He tells Peter that His Church will be built on the foundation of Peter the rock and the powers of hell will not prevail against it. Hence, Jesus indicates Peter's future role in founding the Church, that he is the instrument of consolidation and cohesion in the Church. He is given authority to absolve or to condemn. St. Peter thus guarantees the faith and preserves the unity of the Church. In this context St. Jerome says: "Ubi Petrus, ibi ergo ecelesia". (Where Peter is, there is the Church).  Blaise Pascal says: "Jesus Christ and St. Paul possess the order of charity, not of the mind, for they wished to humble, not to teach."

Conclusion: As we celebrate this feast in honour of Saints Peter and Paul, let us be inspired by their heroic and dedicated life in the service of the Lord with conviction and courage. 

May the great Apostles Peter and Paul, bless you with their blessings that you may always adhere to the teachings of the Church and walk courageously when faced with rejections and persecutions in your life. Amen. 

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The Feast of Corpus Christi: Sunday: C: June 22, 2025

 THE FEAST OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

Introduction: Today we celebrate the Feast of the most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi. We do not always appreciate the great gift the Lord has given to each one of us through the Eucharist where He gives His body and blood to each of us sacramentally. The Lord becomes food for us and He becomes a part of us. We do not always appreciate the greatness of what we do when we celebrate the Eucharist. We often fail to feel our closeness to Christ our Lord and Master. 

First Reading: Genesis 14: 18 to 20

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11: 23 to 26

Gospel Reading: Luke 9: 11 to 17

   *First reading is from the book of Genesis. Melchizedek - the king of Salem - meeting Abraham is narrated. Melchizedek offers bread and wine to Abraham and makes a profession of faith in one true God. In Christian tradition, the  symbol of bread and wine are pre-figuration of the Eucharist: The body and blood of Christ. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul instructs the Christians at Corinth regarding the first Eucharistic celebration at the Last Supper. Paul explains to them and to us that when we celebrate the Eucharist, we are not merely making present Christ's body and blood but in fact, we are re-enacting His death on the cross, by which Christ brought salvation to the humankind.

The miracle of loaves                                                            Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The multiplication of five loaves and two fish by Jesus in the desert is narrated in detail.  Jesus feeds more than five thousand people with five loaves and two fish. He works this miracle in the desert out of compassion and love for the people, so that those who followed Him may not die due to hunger on their return journey home. At the Last Supper Jesus shares His own body and blood for us so that we might have eternal life by participating in the Eucharist. There are four main reasons why we celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi: 1. First of all, this feast is celebrated to re-affirm our faith that Jesus is truly and really present in the Eucharistic bread and wine. The bread and wine we partake in the Eucharist are transformed into the precious body and blood of Christ. 2. This feast is celebrated as a reparation for all the blasphemy, irreverence and dishonour done to the Eucharistic Lord. 3. This feast is celebrated to give thanks for all the graces and blessings we receive through the presence of the  Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. 4. Finally, this feast is celebrated in order to make us aware of the great gift of Eucharist and the need to receive Holy Communion frequently to obtain manifold spiritual blessings for our daily tasks. In this context St. Maximilian Kolbe says: "God dwells in our midst in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar." St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "In each of our lives, Jesus comes as Bread of life - to be eaten, to be consumed by us. This is how He loves us." St. Jerome says: "If Christ did not want to dismiss the Jews without food in the desert for fear that they would collapse on the way, it was to teach us that it is dangerous to try to get to heaven without the Bread of Heaven."

Conclusion: On the night before He died, as He shared Himself in the form of bread and wine, Jesus told His disciples : "Do this in memory of me." Memory keeps the past alive. In every Eucharistic celebration, let the immortal words of Jesus ring in our ears and let us humbly listen to His precious words. 

May the Eucharistic Lord Bless you with His life-giving presence in the Body and Blood you receive in every Eucharist you participate and may it bring you peace and eternal life. Amen.

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The Feast of Holy Trinity: C: June 15, 2025

THE MOST HOLY  TRINITY: ONE GOD AND THREE PERSONS

Introduction: Today we celebrate the feast of the Most Holy Trinity. It is the feast of God our Father, the Son Jesus our brother and the Holy Spirit, and the bond of love between the Father and the Son and all of us. For a Christian, every day is a day to love and honour the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. The mystery of the Holy Trinity is incomprehensible, yet it is so simple when we love it, believing in the promises of God. 

First Reading: Proverbs 8: 22 to 31

Second Reading: Romans 5: 1 to 5

Gospel Reading: John 16: 12 to 15

   *First reading is from the book of Proverbs. It speaks about the Wisdom of the Lord God: The Wisdom of the Lord God came into existence before the whole of creation - the earth and all that it contains and the heavens and everything in it. The idea of the Wisdom of the Lord God is a pre-figuration of the revelations of the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Wisdom stands for the Son of God - the eternal Word - who exists from the very beginning. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. The trinitarian aspect of God is elaborated by Paul. He tells us that we experience peace with God through Jesus. This gives us the hope which sustains us even in times of sufferings and pain. Further he explains to us that the love of God is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is the Holy Spirit who helps us to recognize the Father's love for us. 

God the Father,  God the Son and God the Holy Spirit                                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to His disciples. The Lord explains to us that the works of the Holy Spirit are manifold: To guide us into all truth and to lead us to the future where we will realize the presence of the Holy Trinity. Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus the Son of God. The feast of the Holy Trinity reminds us that there is only one God, but there are three persons each living in harmony and in perfect unity. The mystery of the Holy Trinity is not something to argue about or even to study. It is more of something to pray, meditate and to live. A Christian lives in the world of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We need to realize that God is our Father and that we are His children. God loves us even though we are unworthy of His love. Christ the Son of God is our brother. He died for us and brought salvation to all humankind. Through Him all of us are brothers and sisters. The Holy Spirit is the bond of love between the Father and the Son and humankind. John F Kennedy once wrote: "There are three things which are real: God, human folly and laughter. The first two are beyond comprehension, so we must do what we can with the third." Although there is not much we can do with the mystery of the Holy Trinity, at least we can dispose ourselves to receive their creative influence, gift of love and guidance to all truth. As we celebrate this feast, let our prayer to the Holy Trinity be: That we too may experience the same love and unity which is present in the Most Holy Trinity. In this context St. Thomas Aquinas says: "Given that God the Father is both personal and supremely good, it is proper to think of Him as loving a person from eternity. This other person is the Son and the love between them is the Holy Spirit." T. Wilson says: "The only way to engage God is to meet one of the three in time. We meet the Father as creator, the Son as redeemer and Holy Spirit  as the dispenser of God's grace." 

Conclusion: The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is certainly not easy to understand. The prayer of John Henry Newman may help us: "Lead kindly light amid the encircling gloom; lead thou me on; the night is dark and I am far from home; lead thou me on."

May the Most Holy Trinity bless you with the love, the unity and the peace that the Holy Triune God experiences and dispenses. 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, June15, 2025." Thanks.) 

The Feast of Pentecost: C: June 8, 2025

 THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE APOSTLES

Introduction: Today we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost: The coming of the Holy Spirit; a day of great significance for the Church. As a result of the coming of the Holy Spirit, the timid and frightened Apostles become bold and courageous. They go out to preach the Gospel to the whole world. The Holy Spirit does not stop His presence with the Pentecost. He continues to work in the Church and continues to guide the believers in the Lord Jesus. 

First Reading: Acts 2: 1 to 11

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 3 to 7 and 12 to 13

Gospel Reading: John 20: 19 to 23

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. A detailed account of the happenings on the day of Pentecost is given. The Apostles are gathered in a particular place in Jerusalem. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit descends on them and rests on them as tongues of fire. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the Apostles speak in various tongues. People present in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost, from different countries, are able to listen to the Apostles in their own native language. Hence, on Pentecost day, the Holy Spirit removes all barriers and divisions among  humankind due to languages, races and cultures. He unites them in the one body of the risen Lord. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul elaborates the various gifts given by the Holy Spirit to the believers. People have different gifts, but it is the same Spirit who gives these gifts for the building up of the Christian community, which is the Body of Christ. Paul exhorts the Christians at Corinth and all of us to use these gifts for the good of all without exception. Although we are different from each other, we form one body of the risen Lord. Hence, we belong to each other in our common bond with Lord Jesus.

Receive the Holy Spirit                                                                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The context is that the risen Lord meets the disciples who are fear-stricken and are hiding from the Jewish authorities. The Lord appears to them and wishes them peace and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit. Then He sends them on His mission to the whole world. The effects of receiving the Holy Spirit are manifested on Pentecost day. They are no longer afraid of the Jews or afraid of anyone for that matter. They openly and fearlessly preach in Jerusalem about the tragic death of Lord Jesus and His glorious resurrection after three days. Hence, from that day, the disciples courageously speak as the Holy Spirit prompts them. Until the day of Pentecost, Apostles stayed behind closed doors but from that day, they launch out into the open with boldness and courage. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost has an immediate and visible effect on the early Christian community as a whole. After the death of Jesus on the cross, the disciples were in total disarray. But now, they find new strength in their oneness. They are united in mind and heart. Before Jesus departed from the world, He told the disciples that He should go, otherwise the Spirit would not come. Had He been physically present, they would never have come of age. And with the coming of the Holy Spirit, He brings out what was already inside them. His love awakens in them extraordinary energies that they themselves did not think they are capable of. It is they who have to get on with it, but He is there to inspire, encourage and guide them. Let us too open our hearts on this day to the Holy Spirit so that He brings transformation in our lives which are often lethargic and half-hearted and we become fully committed to the Lord. In this context the prayer of  St. Augustine is relevant: "Breath in me, O Holy Spirit that my thoughts may all be holy. Act on me, O Holy Spirit that my work too may be holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit to defend all that is holy. Guard me then, O Holy Spirit that I always may be holy." 

Conclusion: On Pentecost day, the risen Lord sent His Holy Spirit on  the Apostles and they became powerful witnesses and preachers of the Gospel. We too need to experience the power of the Holy Spirit to become true witnesses of the Divine Word in our daily lives.

May the Holy Spirit bless you with His heavenly gifts that you may always proclaim the Gospel with courage and conviction. 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 June 8, 2025." Thanks.)

The Feast of Ascension of Jesus: C: June 1, 2025

              JESUS ASCENDS TO HEAVEN

Introduction: Today we celebrate the Feast of Ascension of Jesus - the glorification of the Lord. He wants us to share in His glory when our earthly journey is ended. For the disciples who were present there, it must have been a very difficult and challenging day. A sad one too. But Jesus tells them to be glad. Because, 'If I don't go, the Holy Spirit will never come to you. Now I am sending you.' This is the day the Church invites us to celebrate the Ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the heavenly Father. It is a day of great joy. When the Apostles realize the great transformation of Jesus, they are filled with joy. We too are invited to share in the same joy. 

First Reading: Acts 1: 1to 11

Second Reading: Ephesians 1: 17 to 23

Gospel Reading: Luke 24: 46 to 53

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. A vivid description about Jesus' final instructions to His beloved disciples and His glorious Ascension to heaven are given. Jesus promises His disciples that they will receive the Holy Spirit - the power from above. He commands them to be witnesses to Him in Jerusalem and throughout the whole world.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul explains to the Ephesian Christian community and us the theological meaning and the significance of the Ascension of Jesus. He says, "God has glorified Jesus by raising Him above all earthly powers and making Him head of the Church and the Lord of creation."

Jesus is taken up to heaven                                                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. On the day of His Ascension, the risen Lord sums up for His disciples the meaning of His death and resurrection. Jesus then commissions them to preach the good news to all nations. Before they begin their mission journeys, they are instructed to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit who will be their teacher and guide. Jesus blesses them and departs to heaven as they are watching. Apostles are filled with great joy and enthusiasm when they realize what has happened to the Lord and Master. They realize that not only Jesus is risen from the dead but that He is now in heavenly glory seated at the right hand of God the Father. Although Jesus has ascended into heaven, we must not look upon Him as being far away from us. He wants everyone of us to witness to His presence in the world. With His ascension, Jesus withdraws His physical presence from His disciples and from the world. But physical absence does not always mean absence of presence. People can be very close to one another even though they are separated by thousands of kilometers. Hence, ascension of the Lord is not the termination of His redemptive activity. Rather, His glorification is an extension of it among His followers. The time of Christ's saving work on earth in its visible and incarnational dimension is finished. But the time for His saving work in heaven in its invisible and sacramental dimension begins. The time for His own personal preaching has come to an end. But the time for the power of the Holy Spirit to become operative in the Church has come. The time for His physical presence in our midst is completed. But the time for His continued presence in the world happens in the following ways: 1. His presence in prayer. 2. His presence in the Eucharist. 3. His presence in the Sacraments. 4. His presence in the community: 'Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am present in their midst.' In this context, J. Calvin says: "When Christ returned to heaven, he withdrew His physical presence from our sight. He didn't stop being with disciples but by the ascension fulfilled his promise to be with us to the end of the world. As his body was raised to heaven, so his power and reign have spread to the utmost parts." On this occasion of the ascension of the Lord, let our prayer be: "God our Father, make us joyful in the Ascension of your Son Jesus Christ. May we always follow Him into the new creation, for His Ascension is our glory and our hope." May the Lord Jesus who ascended into heaven, in the presence of His disciples, bless you abundantly and lead you to eternal glory. 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, June 1, 2025." Thanks.)

Sixth Sunday of Easter :C: May 25,2025

 JESUS PROMISES PEACE AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

Introduction: Everyone of us has our share of troubles and anxieties which rob us of that priceless gift - inner peace. When a person is not at peace with himself/herself, he or she can't have peace with others. Some people search for peace in material possessions, pleasures of the world or even drinks and drugs. Today, Jesus offers His peace to His disciples and us. He says: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Peace I leave with you; my  own peace I give you."

First Reading: Acts 15: 1 to 2 and 22 to 29

Second Reading: Apocalypse 21: 10 to 14 and 22 to 23

Gospel Reading: John 14: 23 to 29

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. The early Christian community faces many challenges regarding their faith in the Lord and the Jewish customs they have to accommodate with. The Apostles with the guidance of the Holy Spirit resolve them. Many Gentiles (non-Jews) accept the Lord Jesus as a result of the preaching of Paul and Barnabas. But they face a difficult question: How  much of the Mosaic law is applicable to the new converts? The first council of the Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit gives a far-reaching decision. The early Church decides that it is not the external circumcision that matters but rather, the internal disposition of the heart that really matters. 

   *Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. A description of the new Jerusalem - the heavenly Church - in all its glory, where God's kingdom reigns in all its majesty and power is given. The imagery of the holy city of Jerusalem as the bride of the Lamb points to the heavenly origin of the Church. 

Jesus expresses His love for His disciples and promises them peace and the Holy Spirit                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. This is the final part of the farewell discourse of Jesus at the last supper. At the onset of the discourse, Jesus expresses His deep and abiding love for His beloved disciples. In turn they are asked to love Him by keeping His commandments. Then Jesus promises them the counsellor- the Holy Spirit - who will be sent by the Father. Jesus assures them that the Holy Spirit will teach them all things and bring them to remembrance all that He Himself taught them during His earthly life. Finally, Jesus promises them His peace. He firmly assures them that they are not to be afraid of anything or to be worried about anything because He going to the Father. Jesus' unshakeable faith in the Father is the basis and source of the promised peace. Jesus offers the same peace to everyone who follows Him. The peace of the risen Lord should strengthen us to face all challenges and opposition we face in this world. The peace that Jesus offers us is not the peace of escape from reality. It is the peace of a person who has overcome the unsettling realities of life. The peace Jesus offers is independent of outer circumstances. We cannot give this peace to others or have it with others, if we do not have it ourselves. Our inner state determines how we relate with the outside world and other persons. The risen Christ is the healer, the one who comes to bring us life and help us to clam our fears and heal our anguish and hatred. He can only bring us true peace. In this context Thomas Merton the great spiritual writer says: "If you yourself are at peace, then there is at least some peace in the world." M.K. Gandhi says: "When you find peace within yourself you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others." St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."  May the risen Lord bless you with His peace that He alone can grant and may He send His Holy Spirit upon you to guide you  in this challenging world. 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, May 25, 2025." Thanks.) 

 

Fifth Sunday of Easter: C: May 18, 2025

     JESUS' COMMANDMENT OF LOVE

Introduction: Jesus tells His disciples: "Love one another as I have loved you." It is the greatest of all commandments that Jesus gave us. It sums up all the others. In a sense the only failure in the life of a Christian is his/her failure to love. 

First Reading: Acts 14: 21 to 27

Second Reading: Apocalypse 21: 1 to 5

Gospel Reading: John 12: 31 to 35

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Various missionary journeys of the Apostles Paul and Barnabas are narrated. During their journeys they retrace their steps, encourage the small communities of Christians which they lovingly founded and nurtured. The new members are encouraged to persevere in faith in the Lord Jesus in order to face persecutions and sufferings in future. They establish a principle for achieving Christian greatness: "We have to experience many hardships before we enter the kingdom of God."

   *Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. St. John narrates the vision about the new creation and the final union of all the faithful with Lord Jesus. It is taken from the final part of the book of Apocalypse. The new and glorious world order that awaits us offers us peace and happiness in the company of the victorious Lord. 

'Love one another as I have loved you.'                                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Jesus commands His disciples and all of us to love other humans as He loves us: That is to love unconditionally and unselfishly. To love someone unconditionally  is to put the other person first. The parable of the Good Samaritan graphically explains this teaching of Jesus. It is a very simple act and at the same time frightening in its implications. How many of us could do it in reality? Often we are happy with a few kind words or gestures, a commitment or two and we have a good conscience. True love like genuine friendship is more difficult and demanding. It calls  for an effort and it can cause pain and disappointments. It is not enough to say, 'I love you' or say, 'I care for you' and do nothing about it. The deepest hurt comes when our love is not returned or ignored by the person we love. Then it is very hard to go on loving such a person. Often we flatly refuse to love those whom we consider for some reason or other not worthy of our love. Interestingly, Jesus started to talk about the new commandment when Judas had left from the last supper. Then He opens His heart to the others. Judas' act of betrayal perhaps leaves a deep wound in Him. When on some occasion, we meet with a lack of response, we might take some consolation from the fact that even the Master failed to touch some in His earthly life. But as true followers of Jesus, we are singled out and are identified by our love for others. In this context St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "Hungry for love, He looks at you. Thirsty for kindness, He begs you. Naked for loyalty, He hopes in you. Homeless for shelter in your heart, He asks you. Will you be that one to Him?"   "I asked Jesus, 'How much do you love me?' and Jesus said, 'This much.' Then He stretched out His arms and died." says Anon.  Dostoyevsky the Russian writer says: "Learning to love is hard and we pay dearly for it." May the Lord Jesus, who loves everyone unconditionally and gives us a wonderful example of love, bless you and give you a generous heart that loves others. 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, May 18, 2025." Thanks.) 

Fourth Sunday of Easter: C: May 11, 2025

           JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Introduction: Today we celebrate the Good Shepherd Sunday. I am sure many of you have seen pictures of the Good Shepherd in some Churches or in some homes: Jesus carrying a little lamb on His shoulders. It gives a great message of God's love and protection given to everyone of us through His Son Jesus. It is an iconic picture which conveys the caring love of God. This Sunday we shall remember and pray for all those who care for others: The care givers; teachers, nurses, doctors and all those people working in the hospitality sector. Today let us encourage and pray for all such persons who imitate Jesus the Good Shepherd. 

First Reading: Acts 13: 14 and 43 to 52

Second Reading: Apocalypse 7: 9 and 14 to 17

Gospel Reading: John 10: 27 to 30

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Missionary journeys of Sts. Paul and Barnabas are narrated. Paul and Barnabas go to Antioch and preach the Gospel in a synagogue there. Initially, the people of the town are receptive to the Word and they respond with lot of enthusiasm. Later, some Jews conspire against them and the people become hostile to them. Due to the opposition they met with, Paul and Barnabas go to the Gentile community (non-Jews) in the town and preach the Word of God in their midst. Many of the Gentiles become believers in the Lord Jesus and His message. But some of the Jews incite the people against Paul and Barnabas and eventually they are driven out of the city. Hence, the early Church faces many rejections and persecutions due to Jesus and His message.

   *Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. A heavenly vision of St. John is narrated. A great multitude of people from all nations and races who underwent persecutions and sufferings for the sake of Lord Jesus are rewarded and they are received in glory to experience the presence of  God Almighty. They owe their victory to the care and protection of Christ their Good Shepherd.

My sheep hear my voice                                                                Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Various qualities of Jesus the Good Shepherd are mentioned. Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice." To be sheep of Christ's flock would mean that we are always ready to listen to the Good Shepherd. There are three important ways by which Jesus the Good Shepherd speaks to us: 1. Through the Holy Bible. It is the word of God. Everyone who wants to follow Jesus should listen to the Word of God and put it into practice in daily life. 2. Through our conscience. Our conscience constantly reminds us to walk in the right ways. 3. Through the teachings of the Church. It is through the teachings of the Church that we constantly grow in faith. Jesus says: "I know them." To know the sheep means to recognize each one of them and to take care of them in challenging situations in the world. Jesus knows each of His sheep personally. In the book of Isaiah it is written, "I knew you before you were born, I knew you from your mother's womb." Hence, Jesus the Good Shepherd protects the sheep and takes care of them always. The sheep follow the Good Shepherd. The sheep do not follow a stranger but always the one who takes care of them. Hence, we are expected to follow Jesus the Good Shepherd in all circumstances of life. Jesus invites all of us to be Good Shepherds to those who are marginalized and helpless. If Jesus is truly the Good Shepherd for us, if we experience His love and care, surely we will be happy to radiate some of this love to others. Wherever we are, if we truly follow the Good Shepherd, we will find an outlet for our love for fellow humans. In this context William Blake says: "For he hears the lambs' innocent call,/ And hears the ewes' tender reply,/ He is watchful while they are in peace,/ For they know when their Shepherd is nigh." Ken Blanchard says: "Too many leaders act as if the sheep (their people) are there for the benefit of the Shepherd, not that the Shepherd has responsibility for the sheep." May the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, bless you and protect you from every evil and lead you always to green pastures where there is peace and joy. Amen. 

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Third Sunday of Easter: C: May 4, 2025

 A QUESTION OF LOYALTY AND LOVE : (Peter declares his loyalty and love to the Lord)

Introduction: Peter denied his Master and Lord three times on the night of the Lord's passion. Yet the risen Lord calls him aside and then Peter  reaffirms his love for Him three times. Christ restores him to where he was before and confirms him as chief-shepherd of His flock. 

First Reading: Acts 5: 27 to 32 and 40 to 41

Second Reading: Apocalypse 5: 12 to 14

Gospel Reading: John 21: 1 to 19

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Peter and other Apostles are imprisoned and put on trial because of their preaching and witnessing to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Yet they are determined to continue their mission. In fact, they are glad to suffer for Christ. In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we hear that Peter and other Apostles are cautioned by the Jewish authorities. They are ordered not to preach in the name of Jesus. But the Apostles continue to preach boldly and fearlessly and tell the people: "We must obey God rather than men." It is a very appropriate message for us too. We too must adhere to it in our challenging and difficult situations in life. The Apostles proclaim that they are witnesses to the life and death of Jesus on the cross but God has raised Him and glorified Him. 

   *Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. St. John narrates a heavenly vision of the glorified Jesus under the image of a lamb that is slain as a sacrifice. A hymn in praise of the crucified and risen Christ is narrated. 

Do you love me more than these?                                                         Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The risen Lord appears to seven of the Apostles on the shore of the sea of Tiberius. During their meeting, the risen Lord asks Peter one and the same question three times: "Do you love me?" Before His crucifixion and death on the cross, Peter denied Him three times. Now Peter is asked by the Lord to profess his love for Him three times in public. After Peter expresses his deep love for the Lord, the risen Lord instructs Peter that he would be the foundation, the source of strength and the unity in the new community of the faithful. Peter's story is one of calling, falling and recalling. Peter certainly fails when Jesus needed him most. But Jesus' call does not exclude failures. Peter learned more about loyalty, life and about his own weaknesses during that terrible night when he denied His Master, than in all his previous years with Him. The risen Lord encourages Peter to move forward in faith. He asks him to declare his love for Him. Then Peter is entrusted with the care of the community of the faithful with the words: "Feed my lambs, feed my sheep." Often we too are like Peter. We too have our many failures and falls. We too need someone who understands our weaknesses and failures. We too need someone who encourages us to overcome our failures. The risen Lord is always there to help us to go forward in times of crises and failures. We in turn should extend the same understanding and love towards others, especially those who fail us. May the Lord Jesus, who encouraged Peter and strengthened him to walk in the promises of the Lord, bless you and help you to overcome your many failures and falls in life's journey. Amen. 

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Second Sunday of Easter: C: Divine Mercy Sunday: April 27, 2025

 CLEARING OF DOUBTS: THE RISEN LORD MEETS THE DOUBTING THOMAS

First Reading: Acts 5: 12 to 16

Second Reading: Apocalypse 1: 9 to 13 and 17 to 19

Gospel Reading: John 20: 19 to 31

Introduction: To believe that someone is risen from the dead is unimaginable. Thomas faced the same problem. Like doubting Thomas, we all experience moments of doubts and uncertainty in our lives. By hiding our doubts or running away from them, we are not able to clear them. But as Thomas did, we all need to clarify our doubts and experience the life-giving presence of the risen Lord. Then we too will be able to profess our faith: "My Lord and my God."

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Various miracles worked by St. Peter and other Apostles through the power of the risen Lord are narrated. Many people experience the presence of the risen Lord in a very powerful and convincing way through the ministry of the Apostles. As a result, a large number of people are added to the community of believers and the early Church grows in numbers. 

   *Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. The risen Lord encourages Apostle John in a vision. He reveals Himself as the Alpha and the Omega: The beginning and the end of everything. He is the one who lives forever. John is instructed to write encouraging and inspiring letters to the seven Churches so that the members will be enlightened and strengthened in their faith.

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe                                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The risen Lord appears to all the eleven disciples when they are together in a closed room. In His first appearance, Thomas was not present and He expresses his unhappiness and unbelief. On the second occasion, when Thomas is present as Lord Jesus appears before them, Jesus asks Thomas to insert his finger into His wounds. Thus the risen Lord gently and lovingly guides the unbelieving Thomas to faith and convinces him that He is indeed risen from the dead. Thomas readily admits his lack of faith and emphatically makes an act of faith in the Lord Jesus. The risen Lord commends all future believers by uttering: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." All of us have doubts and fears, especially about life after death. We could learn from the example of Thomas. What a refreshing honesty he has! He does not pretend that everything is just okay. Through his questioning and unbelieving attitude, Thomas becomes a key link between the age of the Apostles who saw the risen Lord with their own eyes and all those future disciples who will never see Him physically and yet believe in Him. The risen Lord invites us too to draw close to Him in faith and to look at the same wounds of His, which Thomas the Apostle saw with his physical eyes. The risen Lord helps us to make contact with Him and with one another. By experiencing His loving and reassuring 'touch' , He sends us forth to 'touch' others who do not yet believe in Him. People can come to faith in the risen Lord only when they can 'see' Him and 'touch'  Him in His followers. We have to ask the Lord to give us the gift of being able to 'touch' people in such a manner that like Him, we can bring faith, hope and life eternal to them. Doubts can lead us to deeper faith and conviction. In this context, Lord Tennyson says: "There lies more faith in honest doubt, believe me, than in half the creeds." P. Abelard says: "It is by doubting that we come to investigate and by investigating that we recognize the truth." May the risen Lord, who appeared to St. Thomas and cleared his doubts and unbelief, bless you, strengthen you and help you to overcome all your doubts and unbelief and lead you to totally trust in the Lord. Amen.  

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Easter Sunday : C: April 20, 2025

         CHRIST IS RISEN. ALLELUIA!

First Reading: Acts 10: 34 and 37 to 43

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 1 to 4

Gospel Reading: John 20: 1 to 9

Introduction: Today we celebrate the Feast of Easter: The resurrection of Lord Jesus. It is indeed a very joyful event for all of us believers in Christ. He has broken the chains of death and risen in triumph from the grave: A symbol of all evil forces. He wants each one of us to share in His great victory over forces of evil and death. For all Christians this is a victory day: A day of victory over sin and death. With the resurrection of Christ, we know that the darkness will not have the last word. As St. John says: "Christ was a light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could never overcome." Easter is not only a celebration of Christ's rising from the dead, but is also an anticipation of our own rising from the dead. Because we already share in the risen life of Christ through baptism. 

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. St. Peter and other Apostles give a powerful and convincing testimony regarding the life of Jesus, His death on the cross and His glorious resurrection from the dead. The Apostles express their unique privilege of meeting the risen Lord, sharing meals with Him and experiencing His inspiring and reassuring presence. They are instructed by the risen Lord that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins and life eternal. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. Paul instructs the Christian community at Colossae and all of us that through our baptism, we share in the death and resurrection of Christ. Hence, we are to set our minds on heavenly things and not on earthly things. Then we will certainly share in the glory of the risen Lord. 

The empty tomb and the Easter proclamation                                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. A detailed and inspiring account of the happenings on Easter Sunday morning is narrated. The first visitor to the tomb of Jesus is Mary Magdalene, who finds that the tomb of Jesus is empty. She thinks that Jesus' body is taken away by someone. She hurriedly goes and reports the strange matter to the Apostles. Peter and John immediately go to the tomb and find it empty. The truth of what the Sacred Scriptures foretold gradually 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 rather, it is an indication that Jesus is not to be found among the dead. In our case too, although we have the testimony of the Apostles and others that Jesus is indeed risen from the dead and He appeared to them on various occasions, we too need to be strengthened in our faith through a personal and deep experience of the risen Lord in our lives. In this context C. W. Hall says: "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." S. Morris says: "The tomb of Christ is famous because of what it does not contain." C. Wesley says: "Christ the Lord is risen today. Sons of men and angels say, Raise your joys and triumph high, Sing ye heavens and earth reply." May the risen Lord who underwent passion and death on the cross and has risen from the dead bless you abundantly with His love and peace. Amen. HAPPY EASTER!

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Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday) April 13, 2025

        HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID

Gospel Reading (Procession): Luke 19: 28 to 40

First Reading: Isaiah 50: 4 to 7

Second Reading: Philippians 2: 6 to 11

Gospel Reading: Luke 22: 14 to 23: 56

Introduction: Today we begin the week known as 'Holy week'. The week in which Jesus died and rose. He died because of sin. The sins of humankind brought death to the sinless  Son of God and it continues to bring sufferings and death to children of God. The Gospel according to St. Luke (for procession) gives an account of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem: As King, as Messiah and as Prophet. When He enters the city, the people of Jerusalem enthusiastically welcome Him by singing Hosanna and praises to God. He comes riding on a colt: A symbol of peace. Jesus enters Jerusalem to receive a kingdom - not an earthly kingdom, but the kingdom of God. Today as we acclaim Jesus as our King and Lord, let us make a firm resolve to serve Him faithfully to the end. Jesus' entry as the messianic King is a sign of God's reign of peace and salvation decreed by Him.

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah's sufferings and rejection are graphically described. He serves the Lord God by faithfully carrying out the mission entrusted to Him by the Lord God. He is fully convinced that the Lord God will ultimately save him from shame and rejection. The sufferings and rejection of Isaiah are a pre-figuration of the sufferings and rejection and the eventual death of Jesus the Messiah.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Philippi and us the fact that Jesus takes upon Himself our human conditions and He accepts death on a cross. The heavenly Father accepts His humiliations and sufferings and makes Him Lord of heaven and earth. Jesus teaches us that humiliations, sufferings and death are necessary to enter into glory. 

The passion of  Lord Jesus                                                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Luke gives a vivid account of the Passover meal and the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. Even when  death is imminent for Jesus, His disciples are disputing among themselves as to who is the greatest among them. Jesus makes it absolutely clear to them that to be His disciples, they are to renounce themselves and they are to be at the service of one another. Jesus warns Peter of his impending denial. Judas, under the cover of darkness, betrays Him with a kiss. Jesus is arrested by the soldiers. When taken to the authorities, Jesus is accused of calling Himself a king. Finally, under severe pressure from the Jewish authorities, Pilate the Roman Governor condemns Him to death on a cross. Even on His final journey to Calvary where he is eventually crucified, Jesus shows Himself to be merciful and compassionate. Even though surrounded by darkness, the lamp of His love burns brightly. He prays for His executioners. He welcomes the good thief to paradise. He requests John to take care of His beloved mother. With one look of compassion, He brings tears of repentance to the eyes of Peter. He even elicits an act of faith from the Roman Centurion who had conducted His execution. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. After His death on the cross, Joseph of Arimathea who was a secret disciple of Jesus, takes His lifeless body and buries Him in a tomb. With the passion reading, we too are invited to be not merely spectators but to be participants in the passion story especially during the Holy week. Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday) is not the last word of Jesus' story. Rather it is only a prelude to the Holy week that will reach its climax on Easter Sunday. Let the celebrations of Palm Sunday bring us hope and encouragement in times of pain and sufferings in our lives. In this context Pope Benedict XVI says: "Palm Sunday tells us that...it is the cross that is the true tree of life." Henry H Milman says: "Ride on, ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die. O Christ, thy triumphs now begin o'er captive death and conquered sin." May the Lord Jesus, our King and Lord who comes to us humbly riding on a donkey, bless you and give you the courage and the faith to face all challenges, sufferings and pain in your life and come out victorious like Him. Amen. 

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Fifth Sunday of Lent: C: April 6, 2025

                    GO AND SIN NO MORE

First Reading: Isaiah 43: 16 to 21

Second Reading: Philippians 3: 8 to 14

Gospel Reading: John 8: 1 to 11

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah assures the people of Israel who were exiled in Babylon that there will be a new exodus and the Lord God will bring deliverance for them. He encourages them to concentrate on the present and trust in the promises of the Lord God who is always with them and cares for them. This message of hope should inspire us too to trust in the Lord. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Philippi that holiness is not something that we can achieve by our own efforts. Instead, we should try to see holiness as something that comes through faith in Jesus and in the power of His resurrection. Paul realizes that although he led a zealous life as a Jew, it had no apparent effect with regard to his eternal life. 

'Go and do not sin again'.                                                                     Last Sunday we listened to the parable of the prodigal son which graphically expresses the immense love and mercy of God for the repentant sinner. In today's Gospel, we have the real-life story of the prodigal daughter - a woman caught in the act of adultery. On that day at daybreak, some people brought this sinful woman to Jesus. Practically everyone present at the scene wants this woman condemned to death by stoning, according to the law of Moses. But Jesus shows her mercy and forgives her and saves her from certain death and gives her a new life. Jesus grants her forgiveness not because what she did was not against the commandment of God but because He loves her in spite of her sinful past. Jesus forgives her and tells her to go in peace and from now on, she shall not be enslaved by sin. Hence, Jesus the Son of God dispenses the generosity of God's forgiveness. The woman's many sins, which the public condemned and others wanted to kill her for, are totally and dramatically forgiven by the Lord. Jesus' generosity might upset some of us. But Jesus tells not only to the sinful woman but to each one of us to go in peace and not to sin again. Jesus teaches us that the greatest law is the law of love and every other law should be complementary to it. The incident in today's Gospel is rather dark and messy, reeking of moral squalor - sin. On the surface there appears to be only one sin involved - the sin of the woman caught in adultery. But there are also other sins, subtle and hidden, which is obvious from the fact that there was not a single person in the crowd without sin, as none of them dared to stone this woman.  In fact the vindictiveness of the scene, its malice and moral squalor are disheartening and painful. We all are part of the stone-throwers. We seldom measure the faith of others with the same rule or weigh them on the same scales as our own. It is time to have a look at ourselves during the Lent. Let this be our prayer: Lord Jesus, you looked with compassion on the woman caught in adultery and even though you knew she was a sinner, you did not condemn her; instead you sent her away in peace. Help us to be merciful and forgiving towards all those who sin against us, so that we too may receive your peace and forgiveness. During these days of Lent, let us too respond to the forgiving love of the heavenly Father positively and decisively. In this context St. Augustine says: "In the end only two persons remained representing misery and mercy, and mercy won that day." Leo Tolstoy says: "There is no more important thing in life than compassion for a fellow human being." May the Lord Jesus who forgave the sinful woman and brought her back from certain death and condemnation forgive you and make you an instrument of the forgiving love of the heavenly Father. Amen.  

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Fourth Sunday of Lent: C: March 30, 2025

 THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON

First Reading: Joshua 5: 9 to 12

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 17 to 21

Gospel Reading: Luke 15: 1 to 3 and 11 to 32

   *First reading is from the book of  Prophet Joshua. The liberation of Israelites from the slavery of Egypt by the mighty power of the Lord God and their journey to the promised land is narrated in detail. On entering the promised land, their first act of public worship, giving thanks to the Lord God is the celebration of the Passover Feast lasting seven days. Their possession of the land becomes a reality when they eat the produce of the land of Canaan. 

   *Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Corinth that the whole aim of Christ's mission is to bring about reconciliation between God and humankind. The Apostle reminds us that we are ambassadors for Christ and for God. 

'I will arise and go to my father.'                                                                                Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The parable of the prodigal son - one of the immortal parables of Jesus - is narrated. It has been rightly called the greatest short story ever told. Prodigal means wasteful. We are all wasteful where God's grace is concerned. We misuse His gifts to us. We squander life's opportunities. It is a story about a father and his two sons. The father loves both his sons very much. Yet, the younger son asks for his share of the property and he sells it and goes to a distant country. He lavishly spends his share of the property in loose living. When he has exhausted all that he possessed, he finds himself in a very miserable situation: Feeding the pigs for a living. Desperate as he is, he comes to his senses and realizes the great love of his father. Finally he returns to his father's house with a heavy heart. As he approaches the house, he sees his father coming towards him and from the expression on his face, he knew he was right to have come back. As far as the father is concerned, there was no need of recriminations. The only thing that matters to him is that his son has come back alive. The loving father forgives him and accepts him back unconditionally. He showers love and affection on his prodigal son. The father's love for his lost son vividly portrays the unconditional love and forgiveness of God for the lost and prodigal sons and daughters. In the later part of the parable, we meet the elder son who served the father faithfully. The elder son is not amused by the turn of events. He in fact revolts against his father for his forgiving love for the lost son. His attitude is harsh and judgmental. This parable vividly tells us about the story of our own lives. The parts played by the prodigal son and the elder son are two sides of the same coin: Our own selves. Let us remind ourselves during this season of Lent that the merciful Father is always waiting for us to return to Him no matter how often we have rejected His love  and gone away to some distant country. Our loving God is prodigal with His forgiveness, mercy and love. The prodigal son shows us the way to the Father's house. He tells us what to do: 'I will arise and go to my Father's house and I will say to him..' Millions of people have heard those words and are inspired by them. In this context H. More says: "Love never reasons, but profusely gives: it gives like a thoughtless prodigal its all, and then trembles lest it has done too little." John Ciardi says: "Every parent is at some time the father of the un-returned prodigal with nothing to do but his house open to hope." Helder Camara a theologian says: "I pray incessantly for the conversion of the prodigal son's brother." May the Lord Jesus, who teaches us about the immense love and forgiveness of the Heavenly Father through the parable of the prodigal son, bless you and help you to leave all prodigal ways and return to the love of the Father. Amen. 

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Third Sunday of Lent: C: March 23, 2025

 THE CALL TO REPENTANCE: ONE MORE CHANCE

First Reading: Exodus 3: 1 to 8 and 13 to 15

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10: 1 to 6 and 10 to 12

Gospel Reading: Luke 13: 1-9

   *First Reading is from the book of Exodus. The call of Moses is described in detail. The Lord God calls Moses when he was taking care of sheep on Mount Horeb. The Lord God tells Moses that the cry of His chosen people who are suffering under the task masters of Egypt has reached Him. He instructs Moses to bring them out of their misery to a land flowing with milk and honey. In response, Moses tells the people of Israel that the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob has sent him to liberate them from the slavery of Egypt. Thus the Lord God sees the miserable state of His people in Egypt. He takes pity on them and decides to liberate them. It shows the Lord God's concern and care for those oppressed and persecuted. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul warns the Christian community at Corinth that those who are unfaithful to God and grumble against Him will perish: Like those Israelites who grumbled against God in the wilderness. He further says that all that happened in the past is written down so that we may take heed of God's message. Though all the people of Israel were led out of Egypt, yet because some of them revolted against God, most of them perished on their journey to the promised land. It is a lesson and a warning for all of us.

"Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. In the Gospel we hear the warning of Jesus: 'Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish'. To repent means to be converted and conversion is the starting point of every spiritual journey and is a pre-requisite for being part of the kingdom of God. It implies that we recognize the presence of sin in our lives and in the world we live. Jesus emphasizes the need for repentance in the life of everyone of His followers. In the first part of the Gospel, Jesus recalls to mind two recent incidents of that time: 1. Pilate killing the Galileans. 2. Eighteen people who got killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them. Jesus warns His disciples and us that those people were killed not because they were worse sinners than others but that these are specific warnings for us to take heed of so that we may not face such disasters and calamities in our lives. In the second part of the Gospel, Jesus explains this warning through the parable of the unproductive  fig tree. This fig tree does not produce any fruits for a long period of time. The master decides to cut it down. But the gardener pleads with the master to allow him to water and manure it for another year. The master agrees to this request. The tree is given a final chance to produce or to perish. The message of the parable is very explicit. Unless we take heed of God's warnings and make use of our God-given opportunities to turn away from our sinful and unproductive life, we too may face unpleasant and irrevocable consequences. Lent is the appropriate and opportune time to take heed of God's warnings and to repent and to turn away from our evil ways and sinful life. In this context Martin Luther King Jr. says: "We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people." A.P. Esquivel, a Nobel Peace Prize winner says: "The sin of omission is one of the worst things in the world." May the Lord Jesus, who warns us to repent and produce fruits of true repentance and turn to the ways of God, bless you and lead you in the path of life eternal. 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, March 23, 2025". Thanks.)

Second Sunday of Lent: C: March 16, 2025

 THE TRANSFIGURATION OF LORD JESUS

First Reading: Genesis 15: 5 to 12 and 17 to 18

Second Reading: Philippians 3: 17 to 4: 1

Gospel Reading: Luke 9: 28 to 36

   *First reading is from the book of Genesis. The Solemn Covenant made between the Lord God and Abraham is narrated in detail. Abraham expresses his deep faith in the Lord God. The Lord God in return promises him descendants as many as the stars in heaven and promises that his progeny would have the land to live in. The Lord God in His Covenant with Abraham takes greater obligations and responsibilities. He assures Abraham that He would be always faithful to the promises that He made. With the Covenant, not only is Abram's name changed by the Lord God to Abraham, but his whole destiny is transformed as he now becomes the father of many nations. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul makes an earnest appeal to Christians in Philippi to hold fast to the faith they have received. He assures them that the Lord Jesus will transform their lowly bodies to be like His glorious body but they need to stand firm in the Lord. Paul clarifies and assures us that our homeland is in heaven. It is from there our Saviour will come "to transfigure those wretched bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body." (Philippians 3: 21)

This is my Son, my chosen, listen to Him.                                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The transfiguration of  Lord Jesus on Mount Tabor is described in great detail. Jesus takes Peter, James and John to Mount Tabor. On the mountain, He is transfigured in the presence of His beloved disciples. They witness His heavenly glory on the mountain. They see Jesus with Moses and Elijah: Two great prophets of the Old Testament. During the transfiguration experience, they are overshadowed by a cloud and a voice from heaven proclaims: "This is my Son, my chosen, listen to him." It is very significant to note that, at the transfiguration scene, the whole Trinity-The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit-are present: The Father, in the voice from heaven; the Son, in the human Jesus and the Holy Spirit, in the bright cloud. Just as at the time of baptism of Jesus at Jordan. The transfiguration experience greatly strengthens the disciples and opens their eyes to have a glimpse of God's abiding presence in His Son Jesus. The key to the transfiguration experience and to the revelations of God consists in prayer: In union with the heavenly Father. It is in those moments of intense prayer that we are most likely to witness and experience the glory of God as in the transfiguration of Jesus or in any other heavenly experiences. Lent is the chosen time to have a glimpse of the transfigured Jesus. That experience has to begin from within us with the grace of God. On Mount Tabor, Peter, James and John got a glimpse of the heavenly glory that was present in Jesus, and they were delighted by it. Through faith we too can witness the glory of the Risen Lord who lives among us. Transfiguration of Jesus is also a pointer to our own transformation at resurrection when we too will experience the heavenly glory with Him. In this context the great theologian St. Augustine says: "The clarity which Christ assumed in His transfiguration was the clarity of glory as of its essence, but not as to its mode of being. For the clarity of the glorified body is derived from that of the soul." May Lord Jesus who transfigured on Mount Tabor bless you abundantly and lead you to the heavenly experience that His beloved disciples Peter, James and John had. 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, March 16, 2025." Thanks.)

First Sunday of Lent: C: March 9, 2025

 THE TEMPTATIONS OF JESUS IN THE DESERT

First Reading: Deuteronomy 26: 4 to 10

Second Reading: Romans 10: 8 to 13

Gospel Reading: Luke 4: 1 to 13

We are in the first week of Lent. Lent is a special time of grace for all of us. The Church invites us to practice 3 important aspects of our spiritual life during this time of lent: Prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These are means to help us to purify our lives and to help us to be in communion with God, with our fellow humans and with Nature. 

   *First reading is from the book of Deuteronomy. Moses instructs the people of Israel how the priest should offer to the Lord God the first produce of the land as a thanksgiving. These instructions are to be observed meticulously. They are given in the context that the Lord God had liberated them from the slavery of Egypt and led them to the promised land: A land flowing with milk and honey. The chosen people  are to be always thankful and grateful for the many marvelous and mighty deeds the Lord God had done in their lives.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans. Paul instructs the Christian community at Rome that salvation is for all humankind. Everyone who believes in Jesus Christ and calls upon His name will be saved. Further, he affirms that in the sight of God, there is no distinction between Jews and Greeks: People from different races and nationalities. God's blessings are open to everyone, provided they call upon the name of Jesus the Lord. 

Jesus is tempted in the desert                                                                        Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. A detailed account of the temptations of Jesus at the beginning of His public ministry is narrated in detail. Jesus spends forty days in fasting and praying in the wilderness. After that, the devil appears and tempts Him. The temptations are of three kinds. The first one is to change stones into bread. A temptation that He could satisfy His hunger and the hunger of the people around Him without apparently doing any work. The devil tempts Jesus in a very subtle way and asks Jesus to be a mere miracle worker or a magician who removes the hunger of the masses. But Jesus firmly rejects this temptation. He sternly tells the devil: "Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." The second temptation takes place on a high mountain. The devil shows the glory and power of the kingdoms of the whole world and promises that he would give Jesus all these worldly glory just by worshipping the devil. Jesus firmly rejects this temptation too by telling the devil: "You shall worship the Lord your God." Thus Jesus firmly affirms that worship is only for God. Worldly possessions, power, positions and all that belongs to the devil are not to be worshipped. In the third and final temptation, the devil asks Jesus to jump down from the pinnacle of the Jerusalem temple. Jesus is assured that the angels of God would protect Him from any bodily harm. This is a temptation to test the power of God's protection. Jesus makes it very clear to the devil that we have no reason to put God to the test in any matter whatsoever. God is not the cause of man-made disasters, calamities and wars. Lent is a time of grace and a God-given time to overcome the many temptations we face through fasting and prayer as Jesus did in the desert and became victorious over devil. In this context D.B. Allender says: "Fasting from nourishment, activity, involvement or pursuit - for any reason- sets the stage for God to appear." Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "When the flesh is satisfied, it is hard to pray with cheerfulness or to devote oneself to a life of service which calls for much self-renunciation." A Chinese proverb says: "You cannot stop birds flying over your head but you can prevent them from nesting in your hair." (so also with the temptations we face). May the Lord Jesus, who overcame all temptations by the devil, bless you and protect you from worldly temptations and sins of every kind and lead you in the path eternal. 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, March 9, 2025."  Thanks.)

Eighth Sunday of the Year: C: March 2, 2025

 GOODNESS OF A PERSON IS SEEN IN HIS ACTIONS

First Reading: Ecclesisticus  27: 4 to 7

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 54 to 58

Gospel Reading: Luke 6: 39 to 45

   *First reading is from the book of Ecclesisticus. Three picturesque comparisons are given. 1. A person's faults appear when he/she speaks. 2. A person's quality is seen in his/her conversation. 3. A person's speech discloses the cultivation of his/her mind. These comparisons graphically explain to us that a person's speech reveals what kind of person he/she is. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul elaborates to the Christian community at Corinth and to us that the power of death is once and for all destroyed by Christ: By His victory over sin and death. If we persevere in doing the Lord's work, we need not fear death. When we die, we leave the body (the perishable body), and then we will share in the immortality ( the imperishable body) of Christ the Lord. 

A tree is known by its fruit                                                                   Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Jesus instructs His disciples and us through a series of short parables/sayings. Jesus reminds us how often we look at the mistakes and wrongs of others often ignoring our own mistakes. Many people want to reform the world. Many of them try to reform others instead of reforming themselves. It is a known fact that nothing so blinds us to our own faults as a preoccupation with the faults of others. It has been said that the faults and mistakes which we find most repugnant in the other are precisely the ones that plague our own lives. Today Jesus invites us to have a thorough introspection of ourselves in this regard. 1. A blind man cannot lead a blind man. If such a thing happens, that is, a blind man leads another blind man, the consequences can be disastrous and tragic. So we must be able to see clearly before correcting others or leading others. 2. A disciple is not above his/her teacher. So also, a disciple should not think or act in a way that goes against the one who teaches. 3. Do not look for the speck in your brother's eye when you have a log in your eye. Hence, finding fault with another person when we are also at fault is hypocrisy. 4. No good tree produces bad fruit. And no bad tree produces good fruit. A tree is known by the fruit it produces. So is also the case with a person. 5. Finally Jesus says that a good man produces good out of his good heart. Similarly, an evil man produces evil out of his heart. Thus Jesus instructs us that any goodness has to come from a person's heart. These sayings of Jesus explain to us the reality that good and evil are the product of a person's heart. There is no point in blaming others for it. Thus today Jesus invites us to strive to become good persons with a goodness that is real and authentic. It means that we have to put on the mind of Christ: denouncing hypocrisy in the name of truth; crying out for justice in the face of oppression; challenging indifference in the midst of complacency. It means that we have to feel with the Lord's heart: reaching out to the downtrodden, forgiving the wayward; sharing with the poor. It means that we have to pray the way Jesus did: praising the Heavenly Father for His goodness and love; thanking Him for His numerous gifts; trusting in Him for His constant help and protection. As we become good people in the image of Christ, we become more transparent, genuine and joyful in our lives. In this context, an ancient proverb says: "Never criticize your neighbour until you have walked for a mile with him." Thoreau says: "The fault-finders will find faults even in paradise." May the Lord Jesus who sees the hearts of everyone bless you that you may be like a good tree producing good fruits and be a blessing for everyone. 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, March 2, 2025." Thanks.)

Seventh Sunday of the Year: C: February 23, 2025

 LOVE YOUR ENEMIES                               Jesus' call to a radical discipleship

First Reading: 1 Samuel 26: 2 and 7 to 9 and 12 to 13 and 22 to 23

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 45 to 49

Gospel Reading: Luke 6: 27 to 38

   *First reading is from the first book of Prophet Samuel. King Saul becomes jealous and angry with David. He seeks to kill David but does not succeed. One night David sneaks into Saul's camp while everyone is asleep. David has a golden opportunity to kill Saul and take revenge. But he does not do it because he does not want to kill a person anointed by the Lord God. We see the forgiving attitude of David in spite of the fact that king Saul is seeking to kill him.

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul compares Adam and Christ. To Adam we owe the life of earth. He was a man of dust. To Christ we owe the life of heaven. He is a man from heaven. 

Jesus' invitation to a radical discipleship                                                            Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. 'Treat others as you would like them to treat you.' These are the words of Jesus in the Gospel today. We know exactly how we like others to treat us. We like them to be forgiving, merciful, generous and loving towards us. Jesus throws some radical challenges to His disciples and all of us. He makes it absolutely clear that revenge and retaliation have no place in His kingdom. Jesus gives the following action plan for His disciples and followers: 1. Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you. 2. Bless those who curse you and pray for those who abuse you. 3. Give to everyone who asks from you. 4. Do to others as you would wish them to do to you. 5. Do not judge and you will not be judged. 6. Forgive and you will be forgiven. 7. The measure you give will be the measure you get back. What a lot of sense the teaching of Christ makes, even on a purely human level! Revenge and retaliation only add darkness to darkness. Besides, when we hate our enemy we give him/her tremendous power over us. Further more, we use up an awful lot of energy in hating, energy that we should put into loving and caring. Hence every disciple of Jesus should have this attitude in all circumstances of life. If we follow these precepts of Jesus in our daily lives, the world would be a far better place to live in. By following these teachings of Jesus, we would become true sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father. Hence we see a reversal of values in the kingdom of God. Instead of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth as told in the Old Testament, Jesus tells us that when someone strikes you on the right cheek you should offer the other too. Jesus tells us, 'Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you.' In the case of Jesus, this is not only a question of words. He prayed for His executioners while dying. He healed the ear of the one who came to arrest Him, when Peter in a rage chopped the ear of that person. In this context Martin Luther King Jr. says: "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend." Helder Camara once said: "To use violence without love is like trying to put out a fire with a blazing torch." May the Lord Jesus who forgives all those who persecute Him, insult Him and spread false narratives about Him, bless you and inspire you to forgive your enemies and do good to those who persecute you. 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, February 23, 2025." Thanks.)                        

Sixth Sunday of the Year: C: February 16, 2025

 THE BLESSED IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD

First Reading: Jeremiah 17: 5 to 8

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 12 and 16 to 20

Gospel Reading: Luke 6: 17 and 20 to 26

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah speaks about two types of people: The first type are those who trust in humans. The second type are those who trust in the Lord God. He explains to us that the life of the one who trusts in humans is as precarious and uncertain as that of a shrub growing in the desert. However the life of the one who trusts in the Lord God is sure as that of a tree growing by the waterside. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord God. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul emphatically affirms that Christ's resurrection is a symbol and a guarantee that all the faithful who died and who will die will be raised up by God as Jesus was raised from the dead. Hence, the resurrection of Jesus confirms our faith and reinforces our hope of a life after our earthly life. 

Blessings and woes (curses)                                                                                 Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. In the Gospel Jesus invites us to understand the meaning and the depth of true happiness in the Kingdom of God. In it we discover the values Christ held up before His disciples. He offers His disciples a whole new set of goals and values. These are the exact opposite of those coveted by the world. In the first part of today's Gospel Jesus enumerates various blessings for those who trust in the Lord. Fourfold blessings are mentioned: 1. Blessings for those who are poor. 2. Blessings for those who are hungry. 3. Blessings for those who weep. 4. Blessings for those who are hated and despised because they are followers of the Lord. In the second part of the Gospel, we have fourfold woes (curses): 1. Woe to those who are rich. 2. Woe to those who are full. 3. Woe to those who laugh. 4. Woe to those who are well spoken of by others. In these words Jesus expresses a revolutionary agenda for finding happiness and blessings and vice versa . They represent a complete and total reversal of worldly values and ideas. People in the world look for prosperity, comfort, fun and popularity. Jesus totally rejects all such ideas of happiness but He also attaches woes to them. The beatitudes in other words declare that happiness and blessings do not come from what we have but from what we are - God's chosen people who are precious in His sight. Happiness and blessings do not derive from what we achieve but from what we receive- God's gift of Himself. Through the beatitudes, Jesus gives us the secret  of finding happiness regardless of our state of life. Hence, through these blessings and woes Jesus is amply making clear the reversal of values in the Kingdom of God as opposed to those who follow the values of the world. The beatitudes graphically explain to us that a follower of Christ has to trust in God in all situations of life rather than trusting in worldly riches and possessions and power. In this context Catherine Doherty says: "The Beatitudes are terrifying when you try to live them." Blessed Marija Petkovic says: "If I had money I would trust in money, but without it I trust only in God." May the Lord Jesus bless you with the blessings He has promised to those who follow His teachings and live accordingly. 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, February 16, 2025." Thanks.)