The Feast of Epiphany of the Lord: A: January 4, 2026

 THE STAR AND THE THREE WISE MEN FROM THE EAST

Introduction: Today we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany: The manifestation of the divine in human form in the new-born Babe of Bethlehem. The Magi (the three wise men) represent genuine seekers of  truth from every age and culture. God offers the gift of knowing Him to all people. Like the wise men who embarked on a very long and tedious journey in search of Christ Child and found Him and recognized Him as the saviour of the world, we too will find Him if we make an earnest effort to look for Him in the world around us.

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1 to 6

Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2 to 3 and 5 to 6

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2: 1 to 12

   *First reading is from the book of prophet Isaiah. After the Babylonian exile, the people of Israel return to their homeland and they find Jerusalem in ruins. Isaiah encourages the people with the vision of a restored city and the Lord God's glory shining on it. The Prophet promises them that the scattered children of Israel will return to Jerusalem and multitudes of people will come from all corners of the world to worship the true God. They will come with gifts of gold and frankincense. Thus Isaiah alludes to the future manifestation of the Lord to people of all nations. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul expresses the truth that God invites everyone - both Jews and Gentiles - to share on an equal footing the salvation brought by Jesus Christ. This invitation is for all people belonging to every tribe and tradition to accept the revelation of God's salvation. 

The three wise men came to worship Christ                                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. A narration about how the three wise men came to Jerusalem to pay homage to Christ - the divine Child - is given. While the Jewish authorities fail to acknowledge Him, the Magi travel from darkness into true light. The sudden appearance of a bright star indicates the birth of a great and powerful leader. The wise men follow the star's course until they reach Judea. They go to Herod's palace expecting the new born King there. Instead, they meet Herod who is wicked to the core. He seeks to kill the divine Child. From there, they travel to Bethlehem and find the Babe in a manger with Mother Mary and St. Joseph. They pay their respect to Him and offer gifts to the divine Child: Gold, frankincense and myrrh. When they leave their gifts with Child Jesus, they in return receive the great gift: The gift of knowing who Jesus is. Thus they are enriched by their encounter with the divine Child. The three wise men represent all those who journey in hope to Jesus and find in Him their heart's desire. After meeting Child Jesus, they return to their own country. Faith in Jesus is not to be limited to any geographical or cultural boundary but is a gift to be shared with others.

Conclusion: The feast of Epiphany is a symbol of our pilgrimage through life to Christ the Lord. It invites each one of us to see ourselves as images of the wise men in our journey to Christ. In today's Gospel, we see three reactions to the birth of Jesus. The first reaction is hatred, the second is indifference and the third is adoration. The first group headed by Herod planned to destroy Jesus. The second group composed of priests and scribes ignored the birth of Jesus. And the third group, the shepherds and the wise men, adored the Lord and offered themselves and their gifts to Jesus. Let the Feast of Epiphany lead us to share this experience with others as the wise men did. 

May the divine Child who blessed the three wise men bless you with His heavenly blessings and lead you to eternal light. 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, January 4, 2026." Thanks.)

The Feast of the Holy Family: Sunday, December 28, 2025

 A MODEL FAMILY: THE HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH

Introduction: Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy  Family and the feast of all families. As we read in the Gospel, the Holy Family had their share of troubles and problems. As soon as St. Joseph got the message from God through a dream, he had to leave Bethlehem with Mary and child Jesus and flee to Egypt. Because Herod wanted to kill child Jesus. In our times of pain and turmoil, we often think : Why do bad things happen to good people? In those times, remember that the Holy Family suffered too. God did not shield them from hardships and pain. Rather, He let them have the strength of character to bear it. Through them, He is telling us that He will not turn His back on us when we find ourselves in critical situations in life. 

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

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 12 to 21

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2: 13 to 15 and 19 to 23

   *First reading is from the book of Ecclesiasticus. An advice is given to children of all ages to honour their parents. Honouring  father and mother is a must for all children. They are asked to take care of their parents in their old age and to show kindness and mercy even when the elderly are lacking in understanding. There is a promise of reward to those who take care of their parents. The children who respect and obey their parents are in fact giving glory to God and storing up spiritual treasures for themselves. 

   *Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Colossians. Paul gives a description of an ideal (model) Christian family. Love is the binding factor of Christian family life. Compassion, meekness, kindness, and mutual respect and forgiveness are hallmarks of a good family. Paul advises the members of every Christian family to love and respect one another and have concern for one another.  

Crisis in the Holy Family: Flight to Egypt                                                   Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The Holy Family at Nazareth is often portrayed as a model for all ideal and blessed families. But unfortunately, it was not a place of total peace and tranquility if we assumed it to be so. Joseph and Mary and Jesus had their share of struggles, misunderstandings and problems. In the Gospel, St. Joseph gets a message from God through a dream that he has to leave Bethlehem with Mary and child Jesus immediately because King Herod is planning to kill the child. They leave Bethlehem in a hurry and flee to Egypt (probably to Cairo). Many families ask today, "How can we identify with the Holy Family?" Mary was a virgin, Joseph a celibate, Jesus the Son of God. Yet, is it really that difficult to identify with a family on the run? With a husband and wife struggling to get water and food on the way side. A couple, without any valid papers to cross over to the frontiers of another country. A family living in Cairo ghetto for several years, who did not speak the local language. They knew what it was to deal with poverty, uncertainty and sudden changes. Their closeness to God did not erase the terrible heat and the freezing cold of the desert's various moods. All they could do was to trust in the providence of God. On the feast of the Holy Family, there are a few lessons for us from this model family: 1. Holy Family gives us encouragement, inspiration and great example to face various challenges in our family life. 2. That all families are called to be holy. Husband and wife attain their holiness when they discharge their duties faithfully trusting in the promises of God. 3. That when confronted with challenges and problems, blame game is not the solution but rather the readiness to listen to each other with humility and love and going forward with faith in God leads to a good family life. 

Conclusion: St. Paul in his letter to Colossians says: "Put on then, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience, forbearing one another and if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven you. Above all these, put on love which binds everything." These advices by Paul are very much relevant even in the 21st century. 

May the Holy Family - St. Joseph, Blessed Mary and Lord Jesus - bless you and all the families everywhere and strengthen you to follow the example of the Holy Family 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, December 28, 2025." Thanks.)

Fourth Sunday of Advent: A: December 21, 2025

        THE MYSTERY OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH

Introduction: We are in the fourth and final Sunday of Advent. Today's liturgy speaks to us about Emmanuel: 'God with us'. First reading from the book of prophet Isaiah speaks about the birth of Emmanuel, born of a young virgin. In the second reading, St. Paul in his letter to Romans speaks about the divine and human nature of Christ. He is born a human, but at the same time, He is the Son of God. In the Gospel, we hear Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she will bear a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary had her own doubts but finally she accepts the invitation of the Angel and unconditionally says 'yes' to God's will. That 'yes' changed the life of Mary for ever and she became the mother of God. As we prepare for Christmas, let our preparations be more spiritual than mere external preparations. 

First Reading: Isaiah 7: 10 to 14

Second Reading: Romans 1: 1 to 7

Gospel Reading: Matthew 1: 18 to 24

   *First reading is from the book of prophet Isaiah. Isaiah foretells the birth of a very special child. He will be called Emmanuel. Ahaz the king of Judah is in great distress. The prophet encourages him to have faith in the Lord God. Isaiah's constant message to the king is to trust in the Lord God. Further he invites Ahaz to ask for a sign from the Lord God. Ahaz is reluctant and refuses to ask for a sign. However, Isaiah tells Ahaz that a sign will be given by the Lord God. A son will be born whose name will be Emmanuel: God with us. 

   *Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Romans. The opening lines from Paul to the Christian community at Rome are mentioned. Paul refers to the human and divine 'roots' of Jesus. He describes Jesus as a descendant of David and Son of God who is the fulfillment of all prophecies of the past. 

Emmanuel: God with us                                                                             Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah is described. Jesus is seen as the royal child of the house of David: Born of a virgin. In Jesus, the dynasty of David continues. He is not only the son of David but also Son of God. Jesus is born of a virgin, Mother Mary. Mary's virginity points to the truth that Jesus is conceived without the intervention of a human father. A virgin mother has no precedent in any religious traditions. As we approach Christmas, the prophecy of Isaiah and it's fulfilment as narrated in Matthew are brought up for a very specific purpose. It is to remind all of us that even in our most distressing situations of life, difficulties, disappointments and pains, God is with us. It is in those painful times that we realize the immense power and the greatness of the Almighty. In this context, former US President  Calvin Coolidge said: "Christmas is not a time nor season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have a real spirit of Christmas." C. M. Schulz says: "Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone." 

Conclusion: Many gifts and presents will be exchanged during this Christmas. But the greatest and the best gifts are not chocolates or expensive and glittering presents but the gift of Jesus Himself. Let us prepare our hearts to welcome Him. 

                              MERRY CHRISTMAS!

May Emmanuel, born of a virgin, bless you with His heavenly blessings during this Christmas. Amen.  

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, December 21, 2025." Thanks.)

Third Sunday of Advent: A: December 14,2025

 PREPARE FOR THE IMMINENT COMING OF THE LORD

Introduction: We are in the third week of Advent, intensively preparing for the coming of the Lord. In the first reading prophet Isaiah assures the people of Israel that the Lord God will come to their rescue. He speaks of a time, when Messiah comes, the eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of the deaf shall hear and the lame will be able to walk. In the second reading St. James in his letter urges us to be patient with regard to the second coming of the Lord. In the Gospel, John the Baptist sends messengers to enquire whether Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah. Jesus invites them to observe: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the deaf hear and the dead are raised. John invites all of us to have a change of heart and to repent. Advent is the time to clear our doubts and welcome the Lord earnestly.

First Reading: Isaiah 35: 1 to 6

Second Reading: James 5: 7 to 10

Gospel Reading: Matthew 11: 1 to 11

   * First reading is from the book of prophet Isaiah. Isaiah foretells the return of the people of Israel from the Babylonian captivity: The Lord God rescues them. Isaiah urges us that we too should look beyond our present sorrows and disappointments with a firm hope in the Lord God's love and saving actions in our lives. He encourages us to cheer up and not to be afraid because the Lord God will save us. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. James. The Apostle invites us to be patient: The quality which all of us find it hard to possess. He urges all of us to be loving and patient with one another and to be patient regarding the Lord's final coming. He gives us the great example of the prophets who underwent various sufferings but always went about patiently.

 Are you the one who is to come?                                                                     Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. John the Baptist's doubts and predicaments regarding Jesus and His mission are narrated. All of us have some unfulfilled hopes and unanswered prayers. John too faced a problem regarding the identity of Jesus. "Are you the one or shall we look for another?" is the question put by John to Jesus through his messengers. The hopes of John the Baptist regarding Jesus as the promised Messiah are not entirely fulfilled. John is imprisoned by Herod. In the prison, he is confused about Jesus and His mission. The question put by John is raised by people down the centuries and many raise this question even today. Jesus' answer to the messengers of John is to observe the happenings around them: Have a reality check. Jesus asks them to tell John concerning their experience of Him: Sight to the blind, lame walking, dead are raised to life and the good news being preached to the poor. Are there such experiences in our lives that would make us commit to Jesus and His mission? Today Jesus asks us to look around and see the presence of God and His benevolent power among us. Look around the world and observe the universe and experience the mighty manifestations of His love and care and the great power over the world, the stars and the galaxies in the ever expanding universe. When our hopes are broken and our dreams are shattered, let us not get disappointed and disheartened but rather place our total trust in the Lord. In this context Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "A prison cell, in which one awaits, hopes, and is completely dependent on the fact that the door to freedom has to be opened from outside, is not a bad picture of Advent." Steve Maraboli says: "Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies and do unto others as you would have done unto you." 

Conclusion: The question John puts as we heard in the Gospel is our question too. Is Jesus the Messiah: The only redeemer for us? Is His Gospel enough for us? Do we find in Jesus, the answer to our deepest longings? Advent is the time to address these questions. The ancient Romans had a God called Janus. January comes from the name of that God. He is depicted with having a head with two faces. One face looks backward and the other looks forward. The season of Advent is something similar. It looks backward to the first coming of Jesus which happened more than two thousand years ago. It also looks towards the future of Jesus' coming at the end of times. We are in between these two events. Our work is not to sit and watch but rather to continue the Mission of Jesus that He entrusted to us at His first coming. 

May the Lord Jesus bless you during this Advent that you may firmly believe that He is indeed the Messiah and dispel all doubts from your heart. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph. December 14, 2025." Thanks.)

Second Sunday of Advent: A: December 7, 2025

 ADVENT PREPARATIONS : A CALL TO REPENTANCE 

Introduction: We are in the second week of  Advent. In the coming  weeks we are encouraged to prepare intensively for the coming of Lord Jesus. In the first reading, prophet Isaiah speaks about the future messianic kingdom and the qualities of the Messiah. He says that the Messiah will be an ideal king who will bring justice and peace to the world. In the second reading, St. Paul says that Jesus is the hope of all humans. In the Gospel, we have John the Baptist inviting everyone to prepare for the way of the Lord. He invites us to have a change of heart and to reform our sinful ways. 

First Reading: Isaiah 11: 1 to 10

Second Reading: Romans 15: 4 to 9

Gospel Reading: Matthew 3: 1 to 12

   *First reading is from the book of prophet Isaiah. Isaiah says that when the Messiah comes He will be an ideal king. He will bring two great gifts to the world: The two gifts the world is in great need of - justice and peace. The signs of the messianic kingdom will be seen in nature too: The wolf dwelling with the lamb; the leopard lies down with the kid; the calf and the lion live together. There will not be anymore hurt or destruction in nature. Advent is the appropriate time to prepare for the coming of the Messiah: The king of peace and justice. 

   *Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Romans. Paul elaborates about the importance of hope. He says that Jesus Christ is the hope of all humans. In Him we find hope, harmony and peace. Just as Jesus welcomes everyone to share the joys of His kingdom, we must welcome one another in body and mind to offer glory to God.

John the Baptist's call to repentance                                                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. John the Baptist invites everyone to repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand. John's appearance in the wilderness is rather eccentric. He wears a garment of camel's hair with a leather belt. He eats locust and honey. John calls people from all walks of life to repent and be baptized. Hence, John's invitation for the people is to have a change of heart. John warns that those who do not have a change of heart will face punishment from God. John recalls the infidelity of Israel. He speaks of the promised Messiah who will come soon.  He will be greater than John himself and He will exercise His authority and judgement. We are invited to have a  look into the areas in which we need to change. Thus, we need to be transformed and to be touched by the forgiving love of God. John makes it amply clear that unless we accept our sins and failures and correct our wrong ways, we cannot truly prepare for the coming of the Lord. In this context E.T. Benson says: " Repentance means change and it takes a humble person to change." Thomas Carlyle,  an English writer, says: "Of all acts of man, repentance is the most divine."  Oscar Wilde says: "How else but through a broken heart may the Lord Jesus Christ enter in?"

Conclusion: During the second week of Advent, we are again and again reminded to repent and to be reconciled. Leonardo Da Vinci was a great painter and artist. His world famous painting of the Last Supper adorns the Sistine Chapel in Vatican. While working on this immortal painting of the Last Supper, Da Vinci had a heated argument with one of his colleagues. Bitter words were exchanged and threatening gestures made. When the arguments were over and things cooled down,  Da Vinci went back to his canvas, where he was working on the face of Jesus. In spite of much concentration and efforts, he could not make a single stroke. He felt as if he was paralyzed. After some time, he realized where the real trouble was. He went back to his colleague and apologized for his rude behaviour. Then he returned to his studio and calmly continued to paint the face of Jesus. During these days of Advent, we are not merely painting the face of Jesus, but rather, we are preparing ourselves and our hearts for the coming of the Lord. So we must do something in our lives too, similar to what Da Vinci did.

May the Lord Jesus bless you during this season of Advent and give you the grace to experience true repentance and God's forgiving love. Amen.

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, December 7, 2025." Thanks.)