Wednesday, June 25, 2025

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. 

(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 29, 2025." Thanks.)


Wednesday, June 18, 2025

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.

(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 22, 2025." Thanks.)


Wednesday, June 11, 2025

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.) 

Thursday, June 5, 2025

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.)