Twenty-second Sunday of the Year: C: August 31, 2025

 HUMILITY: THE MOTHER OF ALL VIRTUES

Introduction: Humility is a mark of all truly great people. Sirach states: "Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favour with God."(Sirach 3:18)  Humility is a quality Jesus Himself has. He says: "Learn of me, for I am gentle and humble of heart." (Mt. 11:29) Unfortunately the virtue of humility has fallen on hard times in today's world. Books, articles, videos and social media abound promoting aggressive behaviour, assertive training and affirmative action. Humility is not what we call the 'in-thing' today. And yet, humility remains at the root of our Christian life. 

First Reading: Sirach 3: 17 to 20 and 28 to 29

Second Reading: Hebrews 12: 18 to 19 and 22 to 24

Gospel Reading: Luke 14: 1 and 7 to 14

   *First reading is from the book of Sirach. A description about the great virtue of humility is given. It tells us that a humble person is always open to the promptings of the Lord God. He/she never rejects wisdom, no matter where it comes from. Humility is the real test of true greatness. The greater a person is, the more humble he/she should be. The message is: Be humble and you will find favour with the Lord God. Sirach advises us to carry out day to day business- in the office, family and in every situation in life- gently. That is, taking into account the weak, the poor and the insignificant. We will be loved the better for it. 

   *Second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. A comparison between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion is given. It elaborates that, Sinai is a place where the old Covenant was made whereas, Zion stands for the heavenly city where many angels, saints and Jesus Himself is present.

Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.                                                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. On a particular occasion, Jesus and His disciples are invited to a Pharisee's house for dinner. Many prominent persons from the town are invited too. Most them are eager to take the best available seats because each of them considers himself to be more important than all the others. Observing this, Jesus gives a lesson on humility to His disciples. He instructs them as follows: When you are invited to a function, do not occupy places of honour. Because, in case a person more worthy than you is invited, the host may come and request you to give the honourable place to that person. Consequently, you will be put in an embarrassing and humiliating situation. However, if you are occupying a less honourable place and the host requests you to occupy a more honourable place, you will be honoured in the presence of everyone there. Hence, the virtue of humility is of great importance in the life of a follower of the Lord. It ranks right up there with the great reversal of values in the Gospels (as told by Jesus): To lose one's life is to find it; the last shall be the first; the humble shall be exalted. In this context St. Augustine says: "Do you wish to raise yourself? Begin by humbling yourself. Are you dreaming of building an edifice that will tower to the skies? Begin by laying the foundation of humility." The great poet Rabindranath Tagore says: "We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility."  St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted and ardent." 

Conclusion: The humble people can look at both the heights and the depths of their personalities without becoming proud over the one, or discouraged by the other. Such are the truly great people. Their humility empowers them to take on difficult challenges, explore the unknown and attempt what is seemingly impossible because they are aware of their own inner resources and strength. Thus humility helps them to accept mistakes, admit limitations and smile at failures. 

May the Lord Jesus, who humbled Himself to become human and taught us that by humbling ourselves, we become truly great, bless you and give you the grace to be a sign of humility and graciousness in all situations in 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, August 31, 2025." Thanks.)

Twenty-first Sunday of the Year: C: August 24, 2025

  A QUESTION OF UNIVERSAL SALVATION

Introduction: Jesus warns the people of His time not to pin their hopes of salvation on the mere fact that they are members of the chosen people of God. He urges them to make their way in to heaven 'by the narrow gate.' They have to make strenuous effort to achieve this goal. Jesus offers the kingdom of God not just to the Jews but to all people from the four corners of the world. However, He makes it clear that only those who follow the path of Jesus will gain access to it. 

First Reading: Isaiah 66: 18 to 21

Second Reading: Hebrews 12: 5 to 7 and 11 to 13

Gospel Reading: Luke 13: 22 to 30

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about a time of universal salvation. He elaborates that the Lord God is going to gather all nations and language groups into one fold. The Lord God in His goodness, mercy and love wants to gather the dispersed people and bring reconciliation to everyone. Further, Isaiah assures us that people will come to Jerusalem from all nations and they will bring offerings to the Lord God. For priestly duties too, persons from every nation will be selected. 

Second reading is from the letter to Hebrews. It is a known fact that every father disciplines his son/daughter. If we are disciplined and chastised by God, it is a sure sign that God treats us as His own children. God trains us, His children, through many sufferings, so that we may grow to maturity and reach our goal. Hence discipline, training and perseverance are essential pre-requisites for the final glory that we will experience in future. 

Men will come from east and west                                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. One of the listeners asks Jesus regarding the number of people who will be eventually saved. He is obviously anxious to know about his own salvation and the salvation of others. In His reply: 1. Jesus exhorts everyone to enter through the narrow door. The door is open, but it is narrow. We have to struggle strenuously to enter through it. 2. The time is short. The door is open but soon it will be closed. None of us will live forever. The door is already being closed to today's opportunities. 3. There is no favouritism in the kingdom. People will enter from east and west, from north and south;  rich and poor, black, brown and white. 4. Some reversals and surprises will occur. The first may be last and the last may be first. The poor may step ahead of the rich; the simple may surpass the clever and the learned. Jesus then narrates the parable of a house-owner (God) who closes the door at night and many want to enter through that door. They give many reasons so that they can gain admittance: Eating and drinking with Him, living in His neighbourhood, etc. But the master of that house is not convinced and dismisses them from his presence. Further, Jesus adds that many people from east and west, north and south (universal salvation), will enter the kingdom of God. It is our personal choice whether to enter through the narrow door (challenging life) which leads to eternal life or to enter through the wide door (easy life) which leads to eternal damnation. Hence, through the parable, Jesus tells us that entering the kingdom of God is not restricted to just a few people but open to people from every nationality , ethnic groups and various communities. The path of Jesus (the narrow door) gives access to the kingdom of God. In this context James Baldwin says: "The concept of God should make us larger, freer and more loving." St. John Paul II (Pope) says: "Jesus came to bring integral salvation, one which embraces the whole person and all mankind."   

Conclusion: Jesus tells us that there are two roads that we can follow. The first is wide and easy to travel. That does not lead to eternal life. The second road is narrow and difficult. We will often have to go it alone. It is uphill most of the way. It is the way of service to God and neighbour. Few take this road. They are the chosen ones. Eventually they enter the promised land with joy and happiness. All of us are invited by the Lord to take the narrow path that leads to eternal life. 

May the Lord Jesus who wants everyone to enter through the narrow door and reach eternal life bless you and lead you to heavenly 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, August 24, 2025." Thanks.)

Twentieth Sunday of the Year: C: August 17, 2025

 THE CHALLENGES OF CHRIST'S MISSION 

Introduction: 'I came to cast fire on earth.. I came, not to bring peace, but the sword.' Fire and sword - strange words to hear coming from Jesus. Traditional weapons of torture, which were widely used in the past to subdue enemies. But we don't expect Jesus to use them. When James and John wanted to bring down fire on the people of a Samaritan village, who did not want the presence of Jesus and His disciples, He flatly forbids them to do so. And when Peter drew his sword in the garden, Jesus tells him to put it away. Hence, these words are not to be taken literally but metaphorically. Yet they stand for something very real and strong in Jesus. Not only do the terms 'fire' and 'sword' stand for something in Himself, they also stand for something about His message. It causes disruption. It brings division. There is no greater disrupter of  'peace' than the one who preaches justice and truth. In the first reading today, we do have a great example in Prophet Jeremiah.

First Reading: Jeremiah 38: 4 to 6 and 8 to 10

Second Reading: Hebrews 12: 1 to 4

Gospel Reading: Luke 12: 49 to 53

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. A detailed account of the various persecutions and innumerable sufferings faced by Jeremiah is given. He is accused of treason by his bitter enemies. They try to destroy him. They put him in a well deep down covered in mud and water up to his knees. They torture him because he speaks against injustice, evil and many sins committed by the chosen people of God. However, the Lord God protects him from all harm and saves him. 

   *Second reading is from the letter to Hebrews. All who follow Christ are exhorted to persevere in their faith regardless of the cost. They are urged to resist all temptations to sin till the last drop of their blood. They are to model themselves on Christ, their saviour and Master. 

'I came to cast fire on earth.'                                                                         Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Jesus warns His disciples and all of us that following Him is a very challenging and difficult task. It brings division in the life of  believers. So they are asked to declare their loyalties and get their priorities right.  Discipleship brings division within the family and in the community. Jesus speaks about a divided house: Three against two and two against three. There will be divisions between father and son, mother and daughter and so on. When we stand for the values of Christ, family ties may get broken and relationships may get strained. Hence, a true follower of the Lord is a threat: A source of division, a light that shows up in the darkness. Such a person will face opposition from those who want to remain in darkness. Through today's Gospel, Jesus exhorts us that as Christians, we have to stand up against all evil: All that leads us away from genuine love of God and love of our neighbour. Jesus demands such prophetic commitments from everyone of us. In this context, Helder Camara says: "When I give bread to the poor, they call me a saint. But when I ask why the poor have no bread, they call me a communist." Blessed Oscar Romero, the martyred Arch Bishop of El Salvador says: "If they kill all your priests and Bishops, each one of you should become God's microphones, each of you should become a prophet; I do not believe in death without resurrection."

Conclusion: Jesus comes to set people's hearts on fire. He brings the warmth of the Father's love to those who live in the coldness of rejection and pain. He brings the sword of division wherever falsity reigns. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to come out of the shadows and live in the sunshine of His Kingdom. Let us have the courage and the perseverance to do it. 

May the Lord Jesus, who urges us to continue His prophetic mission in the world by standing against all forms of injustice and oppressions, bless you and give you the courage to be His true disciple. 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, August 17, 2025." Thanks.)

Nineteenth Sunday of the Year: C: August 10, 2025

 THE VIRTUES OF FAITHFULNESS AND READINESS

Introduction: Today in the liturgy of the Word, we are reminded that death often comes in sudden and unexpected ways. Jesus says to His disciples: "You must stand ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." According to William Barclay, Jesus' words can be interpreted in two ways. In the narrower sense, they refer to His Second Coming at the end of times. In the broader sense, they refer to the time of our death when Jesus will summon us from this life. Whatever be the case, we are warned to be always ready - to have our belts fastened and our lamps burning ready - like servants awaiting their master's return.  

First Reading: Wisdom 18: 6 to 9

Second Reading: Hebrews 11: 1 to 2 and 8 to 19

Gospel Reading: Luke 12: 32 to 48

   *First Reading is from the book of Wisdom. The people of Israel are reminded of how the Lord God rescued their ancestors from the slavery of Egypt. The message is one of hope. It promises that those who put their trust in the Lord God will not be disappointed. The chosen people of God are encouraged to persevere in their faith. An assurance is given that just as the Lord God rescued the people of Israel in the past, He will certainly save those who put their trust in Him. 

   *Second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. People of God are reminded about the great and unshakable faith of Abraham. Because of his deep faith in God, Abraham is rightly called the father of faith. The faith of Abraham leads him to set out without knowing where he was heading to. He totally trusts in the providence of God and looks forward to a city built by Him. Hence, in the life of Abraham, we have a marvelous and shinning example of living faith and total faithfulness to God. 

Many blessings to the faithful servant                                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. In the first part, Jesus tells His disciples about the heavenly treasure which cannot be stolen or destroyed. We are urged to look for that treasure in our lives. In the second part, Jesus narrates the parable of the faithful servant who is always ready and watchful whatever may be the time of his master's return. The master, unexpectedly and without warning, comes like a thief who comes at any time of the night. The element of surprise is his weapon. So also, the (second) coming of the Lord will happen at a time we least expect. We must be prepared to welcome Him  whenever He chooses to come. Such a faithful servant will be greatly rewarded by the master. The master in turn will put him in-charge of all His possessions. But if the servant is found wanting and unfaithful in his duties, he will receive a very severe punishment. Jesus thus exhorts all of us to take our life seriously and to do our duties faithfully at all times. In this context, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "It is more important to be faithful than to be successful." A well known educationalist Erich Fromm says: "Only the person who has faith in himself is able to be faithful to others." Joyce Meyer says: "Faithfulness is not doing something right once but doing something right over and over and over and over." 

Conclusion: Today's Gospel contains the warning that Jesus gives to His disciples and us. He urges us to be like good and faithful servants ever watchful for the return of their master. If we take this warning in the context of death, for most people it is just not possible to be ready for death in the sense of having all the loose ends neatly tied up and well prepared. Death frequently comes as the great intruder and disrupter of a person's life and plans. It comes when least expected. What matters at that moment is our faithfulness to the Word of God and our readiness to meet our Lord and creator.

May the Lord Jesus, who wants us to be faithful to His teachings, bless you with His abundant blessings and give the due reward for your faithful service to the Lord and to humanity. 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, August 10, 2025." Thanks.)