The Epiphany of the Lord : A

          "THE STAR AND THE WISE MEN"

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6
Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-4
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2: 1-12

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. After the Babylonian exile, People of Israel returned to their homeland and found Jerusalem in ruins. In this passage, Prophet Isaiah encourages the people with the vision of a restored city and God's glory shining on them. The Prophet promised them that , the scattered children of Israel will return to Jerusalem and multitudes of people will come there to worship the true God. They will come with gifts of gold and frankincense.

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

" The Wise Men came to Worship Christ"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In this passage, the evangelist narrates how wise men from the east came to pay homage to  Christ - Child, while the Jewish leaders failed to acknowledge Him. In the Gospel narrative, the wise men from the east traveled from darkness into light. The sudden appearance of a bright star indicated the birth of a great leader. These men followed the star's course until they came to Judea and then went to Herod's palace where they expected the new born king.
But the wise men found instead, Herod who was wicked to the core and that he sought to kill the divine child. They went to Bethlehem and worshiped Him and offered gifts to the divine child. When these men left their gifts with the Child Jesus, they returned back with gifts : gift of knowing who Jesus is and they were enriched by their encounter with the divine.
These three wise men represent all those who journey in hope to Jesus and find in Him their heart's desire. Then they returned 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.

Feast of Mary Mother of God : A : New Year

              "MARY , MOTHER OF GOD"

First Reading : Numbers 6: 22-27
Second Reading: Galatians 4: 4-7
Gospel Reading : Luke 2: 16-21

   * First reading is from the book of Numbers . In this passage the Lord God tells Moses to instruct the priests to Bless the people of Israel in His name. The chosen people are to be blessed by the words, " It is the Lord's blessing that will make this coming year good and fruitful". With Mary , Mother of God, we too seek the blessings of the Lord God.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Galatians. In this passage, Paul tells the Christians in Galatia and us that by giving us His own Son, through Mary, God enabled the whole human race to become His sons and daughters in whose hearts the Spirit of God cries, 'Abba, Father'.

Mary with Child Jesus in the Manger
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. This passage describes the meeting of Shepherds with Child Jesus and Mother Mary in the manger. The eagerness of the simple shepherds to pay homage to the divine Child and Mary's reflective and contemplative mood are graphically depicted.
By celebrating the first day of the New Year , as the Feast of Mother Mary - Mother of God, we are celebrating the feast of all the mothers. It is fitting that Mother Mary is the model for all mothers. God showered Mary with numerous blessings, so we too invoke God's blessings on all mothers today.  Blessed Mother was a simple, illiterate peasant woman , yet Harvard historian Harry Adams calls her the "most powerful religious symbol for centuries. 
"May the Blessed Mother Bless you in the coming Year 2017"

"Mary is given to us as a mother to accompany us on our tiring pilgrimage through life"-  Pope Paul VI
" As mariners are guided by the shinning of a star, so Christians are guided to heaven by Mary" - St. Thomas Aquinas.

Thirty Fourth Sunday :C Feast of Christ the King

       "THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE"

First Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3
Second Reading: Colossians 1: 12-20
Gospel Reading: Luke 23: 35-43

   * First reading is from the Second book of Samuel. This passage gives us a narration about King David. David was already anointed King of Judea. Later, northern tribes too accepted him as their King. Thus David became the King of the whole Israel. David's kingship was a pre-figuration of the universal Kingship of Christ. 

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. In this passage Apostle Paul gives thanks to God for having delivered the humankind from the dominion of darkness and brought us to the Kingdom of His Son. Christ is ;the image of the invisible God, the head of the Church and the Lord of all creation.

                 " JESUS THE KING"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. In this passage, there is a  mention about the inscription over the Cross " King of the Jews". It proclaims the true identity of Jesus. Jesus is both Messiah and King. Even as he died on the cross, He was giving consolation and forgiveness to all those around. There were many people below the cross of Christ: soldiers, Pharisees, and other people mocking and challenging Him saying " If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself". He asked forgiveness for them from Heavenly Father."Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing"
When the thief on the right pleaded saying "Jesus, remember me, when you are in your Kingdom", Jesus immediately assured him, paradise. As He was dying on the cross, He called His mother  and beloved disciple and entrusted His mother to the disciple. Then told the mother, this is you son, pointing  to the disciple. Hence, His last gift to us was His mother to be our heavenly mother too.
Christ's Kingdom is a very special Kingdom.He has come not to conquer, but to love. He has come not to rule, but to serve. He has come not to have possessions but to give them away(even His own mother) . He is the King of our hearts and minds.
"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?" - St. Teresa of Calcutta.
"Rome is gone, Napoleon is gone, Hitler is gone, but the Kingdom of Jesus marches on " - D. Guzik.

Fifteenth Sunday of the Year :C

             "WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR"

First Reading : Deuteronomy 30: 10-14
Second Reading: Colossians 1: 15-20
Gospel Reading: Luke 10: 25-37

   *First reading is from the book of Deuteronomy. In this passage Moses exhorts the people of Israel to keep the commandments of the Lord God so that they turn to the Lord with all their heart and with all their soul. The commandments of Lord God is essay to obey because it is in the very heart and soul of every person.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St.Paul to Colossians. In this passage, Paul describes the incarnate Word. Jesus is the true image of God in human form. He is pre-eminent and supreme to everything created. He is also the head of the Church and brings reconciliation to the whole creation.

"The Good Samaritan"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. We have the wonderful parable of the Good Samaritan for our reflection and action. A lawyer put a very pertinent question to Jesus that day: "Who is my neighbour?". In response, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan. What is most disturbing in Jesus'parable is not so much the attack made on an innocent man. But the fact that two respectable persons - a Priest and a Levite - pass by this unfortunate victim without showing any compassion or concern . Because for them , the first question that came to their mind was, "What will happen to me if I stop and help him"? . Where as , the first question that came to the mind of the Samaritan was, "What will happen to this wounded man if I do not take care of him"?
In a similar situation, like the Priest and the Levite in the parable, we too may have many excuses not to help those in need. It is much easier and safer to go quietly on the other side of the road as they did. But the Samaritan brushed aside all such thoughts and opened his heart to the wounded man. He went out of his way to help this wounded man. Jesus dramatically answered the question by the Lawyer through this parable and challenged every one to be a neighbour to whom our good will must go out. He told the Lawyer, "Go and do like wise". The same Jesus is telling us today to be a neighbour to who ever is in need of our help.
"It is easier to love humanity as a whole than to love one's neighbour" - Eric Hoffer.
"Love begins at home, love your family and your neighbours. Share with the poor and the needy around you, your smile, your word, your time, your belongings"- Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Twelvth Sunday of the Year:C

"WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM"?

First Reading: Zechariah 12: 10-11.13:1
Second Reading: Galatians 3: 26-29
Gospel Reading: Luke  9:18-24

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Zechariah. This passage speaks about a time when a new Spirit will be poured out on the people ( as at Pentecost). The house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will mourn and grieve over the one they put to death -speaks  about the death of Jesus the Son of God. But he will be a fountain of purity to us from our sins and uncleanliness.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Galatians. In this passage, Paul tells us that for those who have been baptized , there must be no more distinctions. Because of Christ, all have equal access to the blessings promised to Abraham and his children. Through our faith in Jesus, we are all children of God.

"St. Peter's Confession of Faith"
Today's Gospel reading is from St;Luke. In this passage, Jesus put two questions to His disciples. First question was, 'who do people say that I am"? To this question, there were many answers . Some people considered Jesus to be John the Baptist, who was beheaded by Herod and now come back to life; some others thought Jesus was Elijah one of the great prophets of old who now has returned to earth. Some others thought Jesus was one of the prophets of old who has now come back to life. Hence, there were various opinions about Jesus but none of them considered Jesus to be the promised Messiah. Of course, people had their own reasons to think in this manner.
Then Jesus put a second question to His disciples, which was very fundamental to His disciples and to each of us. "But who do you say that I am?" Peter immediately confessed, "You are the Christ of God" : that is, Jesus is the promised Messiah, who has come to save the world and us. 
Today, Jesus puts this same question to us. Is our answer like that of the people around us, that He is merely one of the prophets, or a miracle worker, or one of the holy men. Jesus wants a personal answer from us. That , He is truly the one who has come to save my life - my personal Messiah. Jesus is waiting for an answer.
"There are so many religions and each one has its different 
ways of following God. I follow Christ.
Jesus is my God, Jesus is my Spouse, Jesus is my life . Jesus
is my only Love. Jesus is my All in All. Jesus is my Everything" - Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
"Some persons live manly or womanly lives and they lack one thing - open confession of the Lord Jesus Christ " - Billy Sunday. 
A prayer: "Heavenly Father, You revealed to the Apostle St. Peter the blessed truth that your Son Jesus is the Christ. Strengthen us by the proclamation of this truth that we too may joyfully confess that there is salvation in no one else but in Jesus Christ".

Eleventh Sunday of the Year:C

"FORGIVENESS TO THE REPENTANT SINNER"

First Reading: 2 Samuel 12: 7-10,13
Second Reading: Galatians 2: 16, 19-21
Gospel Reading: Luke 7: 36-50

   * First reading is from the second book of Samuel. In this passage, Prophet Nathan confronts King David and tells him that he has sinned against the Lord God by taking Uriah's wife and later killing Uriah by his orders. Nathan expressed his anguish that the King has done such a crime in spite of the innumerable blessings God had showered on him. King David readily admitted his wrong doings and repented. Then the Prophet assured the King that the Lord God has forgiven him. Repentance is a prerequisite for being forgiven by God.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Galatians. In this passage, Paul tells the people that Christ has become the centre of his life.: the Christ who loved him and died for him. He expresses his deep belief that "it is  no longer I who live, that Christ lives in me" Paul is sure that all his strength come from being united with the Lord.

"Jesus Forgives the Sinful Woman "
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. This passage, narrates the story of Jesus meeting two types of people at the house of Simon the Pharisee. One a sinful woman who realized her sinful past and repented of it. The other , Simon the Pharisee , who considered himself holy , self righteous and needs no repentance.
Jesus was gentle and loving in His approach to the sinful woman. She expressed her sorrow by her tears and later kissed the feet of Jesus and anointed them with costly ointment. The Pharisee on the other hand, did not do the customary greetings and was critical of the woman and Jesus. In his heart he blamed Jesus for such an incident.
Knowing the thoughts of Simon, Jesus told him firmly about his own lack of respect and decorum for the guest in his house. Jesus then told him that love transcends all sins and wrong doings and her sins which are many are totally forgiven. Jesus wiped away all her sinful past with His consoling and reassuring words:"Your faith has saved you, go in peace, sin no more". By treating this woman with kindness and forgiveness, Jesus helped her to be reconciled with God and her hurting past. Jesus challenged Simon to see his own shortcomings.The same Jesus challenges us too to see our own sinfulness and shortcomings and return to the Lord and not to be judgmental of others.
"Repentance is the golden key that opens the palace of eternity" - John Milton.
"To err is human, to forgive is divine"- Alexander Pope
"God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination" - St. Augustine.

Tenth Sunday of the Year:C

"RAISING THE DEAD TO LIFE"

First Reading: 1 Kings 17:17-24
Second Reading: Galatians 1: 11-18
Gospel Reading: Luke 7: 11-17

   * First reading is from the first book of Kings. This passage describes a sad event, the death of a widow's son in whose house Prophet Elijah was staying during the sever famine there. The woman was in great distress. Seeing her sorrow, Prophet Elijah prayed to God and the child was brought back to life. After witnessing this great miracle, the woman acknowledged that Elijah was a man of God and a great prophet.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Galatians. In this passage, Paul tries to explain to the Christians in Galatia that the Gospel preached by him is not of human origin but is through the revelation of Jesus Christ as hence it is of divine origin. Paul defends his authority to preach the Gospel and the truth of his doctrine. although in his former days as a Pharisee he persecuted the Church of God and tried to destroy it.

"Jesus Raises the Widow's Son at Naim"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. This passage gives us an account of the happening at Naim when Jesus and His disciples went to that city. A widow's only son had died and his life less body was being carried to be buried when Jesus and His disciples arrived there. Seeing the widow's sorrow and pain, Jesus was moved with compassion . Jesus touched the bier and said, "Young man, I say to you, arise" and immediately, the dead man regained life. Jesus raised to life the young man and brought consolation and hope for a distressed widow. People in the city recognized Jesus as a great prophet and a man of God.
Compassion for the suffering and pain of those in distress is an essential quality of every follower of Christ. We should not be found wanting when people are faced with unexpected loses and sorrows.
"Christ came to be Father's compassion to the world. Be kind in your actions" Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
"The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others" - Albert Schweitzer.
"By compassion we make other's misery our own, and so, by relieving them we relieve ourselves also"- Thomas Browne.