Sixteenth Sunday of the Year: B: July 21, 2024

 JESUS THE COMPASSIONATE AND KIND SHEPHERD

First Reading: Jeremiah 23: 1-6

Second Reading: Ephesians 2: 13-18

Gospel Reading: Mark 6: 30-34

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah sternly warns the leaders of Israel regarding their laxity and unfaithfulness in their duty of taking care of the chosen people of the Lord God. Instead of looking after the needs of the people, they scatter them. Through Jeremiah, the Lord God severely indicts the shepherds of Israel who neglected their flock. The Lord God promises that He will send a Shepherd who will take care of His flock. The promised future leader will be from the lineage of King David - an allusion to Jesus, the future Messiah.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul reminds the Ephesian Christian community that Christ has brought unity of brotherhood to Jews and Gentiles. He has broken all types of hostility and barriers among the people and united all people as children of one Father in heaven. By His death, Christ broke down the wall that divided Jews and Gentiles. Hence, Christ brings peace to everyone who acknowledges Him as his/her saviour and Lord. 

Jesus the compassionate Shepherd                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A short description about the return of the twelve Apostles after their missionary journey is given. Jesus invites them to come to a lonely place to take some rest. But this rest is very short because of the crowds coming there to listen to the precious words of Jesus and to be healed by Him. Jesus is very much moved with compassion for them and expresses His anguish by saying: 'They are like sheep without a shepherd.' This incident reminds us that even in our busiest days of relentless activities, we need to take adequate rest in the presence of the Lord. It can be any place of our choice: In the quietness of the Chapel, where the Lord is sacramentally present or it can be a corner of our room or in the garden, where we can quietly listen to the comforting and soothing words of the loving and compassionate Shepherd. When we listen to the Lord, we are able to discover deep within  us a new source of strength and energy. As we experience the love and care of the Good Shepherd, we in turn are invited to make use of this gift to care for and to be compassionate to others in need. Those who encountered Christ, especially the Apostles and saints, had an anchor in their lives. That anchor is the care and concern of the Good Shepherd. Let us emulate their example in our own lives. Biblical Resource says: "While there is always more to be done, we have to choose how to use our time."  Jesus said to His disciples: 'Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give to rest. Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls". May the  Good Shepherd bless you all and may you find time to listen to the Lord and be blessed by Him and in turn be a blessing to others who are in need. 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" on Google search. Thanks.)

Fifteenth Sunday of the Year: B: July 14, 2024

JESUS SHARES HIS MISSION WITH HIS APOSTLES

First Reading: Amos 7: 12-15

Second Reading: Ephesians 1: 3-14

Gospel Reading: Mark 6: 7-13

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Amos. Prophet Amos is a great champion of social justice. The Lord God sends Amos to King Amaziah. The King is very unhappy and angry with Amos. He is warned not to prophesy in Bethel where the King resides. When Amos continues to prophesy as instructed by the Lord God, he is expelled from the kingdom. In spite of various problems, rejection and threats from the King, Amos is not discouraged or frightened. He tells Amaziah that the Lord God has commanded him to go to the people of Israel and prophesy. Although Prophet Amos faces many hardships and opposition, he is totally faithful to the task entrusted to him by the Lord God. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. We have a hymn of thanksgiving to God for the great spiritual gifts received through Jesus Christ. The Christians in Ephesus are brought to faith by the efforts of St. Paul. He encourages them to be always faithful to the teachings he had handed over to them. He instructs them that God's will is the sole source of our Christian vocation and of our holiness. Paul expresses his thankfulness to God for the many spiritual gifts that he received through Lord Jesus. 

Jesus calls the twelve and sends them out two by two                                             Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. The detailed instructions given by Jesus to His twelve Apostles before their mission journey are narrated. They are told to preach and to do the works that Jesus Himself had done so far. Their three-fold duties are: 1. To announce that the Kingdom of God has come. 2. To heal the sick. 3. To cast our demons. He instructs that they are to take nothing for their mission journey: No money, no extra clothing, not even a staff which is ordinarily carried by travelers to protect themselves from attacks of thieves and wild animals. Disciples of Jesus are to depend entirely on the providence of God during their mission journeys. Further, we observe that Jesus does not hesitate to involve the Apostles actively in His work in spite of the fact that most of them were illiterate fishermen with little or no experience in preaching and healing. Jesus invites everyone of us to continue His mission in the world around us. In spite of our inexperience and lack of expertise, He wants us to do our part, however small that may be. The mission of Jesus is very simple. As St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said: "We can do no great things. Only little things with great love. You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do something beautiful for God." All of us without exception are invited to continue the mission of Jesus and to transmit our faith to others as the Apostles did. Jesus wants us to be part of His work too. Each of us is responsible for a small corner of this world where it is up to us to make the presence of Christ felt. Albert Camus, a philosopher, once said: "When you have seen a glow of happiness on the face of a beloved person, you know that a man can have no other vocation than to awaken that light on the faces surrounding him." May the good Lord bless you all and entrust you with greater responsibilities in continuing His mission. 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" on Google search. Thanks.)

Fourteenth Sunday of the Year: B: July 7, 2024

 REJECTING MESSENGERS OF GOD

First Reading: Ezekiel 2: 2-5

Second Reading : 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10

Gospel Reading: Mark 6: 1-6

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. The Lord God sends several prophets to the people of Israel to correct their sinful ways. But the people rebel against Lord God's prophets and refuse to obey the Lord God. Ezekiel is sent by the Lord God to speak to the people in His name. As a result of his preaching, Ezekiel  has to face much persecutions, rejections and scorn from the people because he spoke in the name of the Lord God. Ezekiel is in distress that people do not want to change their ways and return to the Lord God. 

   *Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul admits that he too has many weaknesses although he received many revelations and blessings from God. However, Paul is not discouraged or disillusioned because Lord Jesus assures him that: 'My grace is sufficient for you.' This assurance of the Lord is for all of us, who are troubled and disturbed by our many weaknesses and failures and day-to-day problems. Paul assures us that when we trust in the grace of God, our weaknesses become a source of strength because we are no more trusting in ourselves but in the powerful grace of God. Hence, Paul could firmly say: 'When I am weak, then I am strong.'

Jesus' rejection at Nazareth                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. During His public life, Jesus goes around preaching, teaching and healing in many towns and villages in Judea, Samaria and Galilee. Finally, He comes to Nazareth, His home town, where He was brought up and where His kith and kin live. Although Jesus by now had a great reputation as a great prophet all over Palestine, His own people fail to recognize Him and do not acclaim Him when He comes there. Ironically, instead of admiration and validation, He faces scorn and ridicule. Their attitude is: 'After all, He is a carpenter's son. We know His family background.' They do not want to accept the fact that God is in their midst and He communicates through Jesus, a carpenter's son. Jesus is totally disappointed and disillusioned by their scornful attitude. Hence, He says: 'No prophet is acceptable in his own country, in his own relations and in his own house.' On several occasions in the past, we might have rejected God and His chosen messengers. It may also happen that we have faced rejections and scorn from our own family or in our community. Jesus has shown us the way to deal with such situations in life. He does not stop His ministry because the people of Nazareth rejected Him. He does not blame others or God for His failures and lack of acceptance among the people of Nazareth. He takes it on His stride. Nazareth marks a learning experience in the life of Jesus. A proverb says: "Familiarity breeds contempt." May Jesus open our hearts to hear what His prophets are saying to us; sometimes to provoke and rebuke us and at other times, to inspire and encourage us. May He also increase our faith so that we can respond to His prophetic message and allow Him to work  in and through us. 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" on Google search. Thanks.)

Thirteenth Sunday of the Year: B: June 30, 2024

 THE HEALING MINISTRY OF JESUS: Your faith has made you well

First Reading: Wisdom 1: 13-15 and 2: 23-24

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 8: 7-9 and 13-15

Gospel Reading: Mark 5: 21-43

   *First reading is from the book of Wisdom. The Lord God created everything good. He is not the author of death. Humans too are created for incorruptibility. Consequently, we are destined to live eternally. But the evil one (the devil) brings sin and death into the world. To overcome death and to regain immortality, we must obey the Lord God who is the creator and sustainer of everything that exists. 

   *Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul urges the Christian community at Corinth and us to be generous towards the poor and the less fortunate. Paul gives us the example of Christ who, although is rich in everything, becomes poor for our sake. Those who have abundance of wealth are obliged to take care of the poor and the needy. 

Little girl, I say to you, arise.                                                                                Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. Two miracle stories are narrated. In the first miracle, Jesus heals a woman who was suffering for a very long time. She had a hemorrhage for twelve long years. She is healed miraculously and instantly by touching the garment of Jesus. Realizing that the healing has taken place, Jesus inquires about the one who touched Him and got healed. The woman, initially reluctant and shocked, openly acknowledges that she is healed by touching the garment of Jesus. Jesus commends her faith and tells her: 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.' The second miracle narrated takes place when Jairus, a synagogue official, requests Jesus to heal his daughter who is at the point of death. Jesus reassures him and tells him: 'Do not fear, only believe.' Later, Jesus goes to the house of Jairus and brings back to life the little girl who was already dead. Through these two miracles, Jesus is inviting us to have faith in the healing power of the Lord so that we too may experience His healing touch. We in turn may be strengthened in our faith and continue the healing ministry of Jesus in times of sickness and pains. These miracles remind us that every follower of Christ ought to be a channel of blessings for others and dispense the healing power of the Lord. Every act of caring and sharing would cost us something. But if we keep ourselves in touch with the Lord, then the healing power of Jesus will empower us and constantly restore us to His fullness. Let our prayer always be like that of St. Francis of Assisi: "Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring your love. Where there is injury, your pardon Lord. And where there is doubt, true faith in 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" on Google search. Thanks.)

Twelfth Sunday of the Year: B: June 23, 2024

 THE MYSTERIOUS AND INSCRUTABLE WAYS OF GOD

First Reading: Job 38:1 and 8-11

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 14-17

Gospel Reading: Mark 4: 35-41

   *First reading is from the book of Job. Numerous sufferings and losses faced by Job- a just man - are described in detail. The Lord God reveals to Job that His ways are mysterious and incomprehensible to humans. Job is asked by the Lord God regarding the various mysteries of the universe. He is unable to answer satisfactorily to any of the questions put by the Lord God regarding the universe and its complexities. Finally, Job accepts the Lord God's mysterious plans and totally subjects himself to Him. We are all aware that even today, as we learn from the astrophysicists, that they are not able to explain satifactorily the origin, complexities of the universe and the laws governing it. So like Job, we too must humble ourselves before the Lord God. 

   *Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Corinth and to us that Christ's redeeming love has saved us. To be part of Christ is to be part of the new creation that Christ died for. Paul invites everyone of us to live a Christ-centered life and not a self-centered one. 

Peace, be still... Jesus' command over the powers of nature                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark, Chapter 4. A detailed narration of how Jesus calmed the rough sea and the wind is given. It is one of the instances in the Gospel where Jesus exercises His authority over the powers of nature. Jesus and His disciples are travelling across the sea in a boat after a tiring day's work. Being tired and exhausted, Jesus soon sleeps on the stern of the boat. While at sea, a great storm arises and the boat is at the point of sinking due to the rough sea and the wind. The disciples are totally frightened and lose all hope. They cry for help and beg Jesus to save them from the life-threatening situation. Jesus gets up and commands the sea and the wind. There is a great calm after that. The question put by Jesus to the disciples is very relevant: "Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?" Jesus allows the storm to trouble the faith of His disciples. But He is in their midst helping them to come through it. When we face storms and disturbances in our lives, we too could hear the gentle voice of the Lord calming us and assuring us: "Fear not, for I am with you." Then the waves of fear will subside and the rays of hope will shine on us too. Today Jesus invites each one of us to do what he did for the disciples in distress. Jesus wants us to make ourselves available to persons who have lost hope, who are caught up in the middle of storms of life: sickness, financial losses or even loss of dear ones. Now it is our turn to give courage and strength and help such persons to come through it. May the Lord of the universe grant each one of us peace in the midst of the many stormy situations in life. 

Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said: "Peace begins with a smile."

Thomas A Kempis (a spiritual writer) once said: "First keep peace with yourself, then you can also bring peace to others."    

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Eleventh Sunday of the Year: B: June 16, 2024

PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

First Reading: Ezekiel 17: 22-24

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10

Gospel Reading: Mark 4: 26- 34

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel speaks about the imminent downfall of Jerusalem. He compares the King and the people of Judah to a small cutting of a tall tree which the Lord God will take and plant on Mount Zion. Hence, the Prophet gives hope of restoration of the Kingdom that will be brought about by a member of the chosen race. He mentions that in future, Messiah (the anointed one) will set up a universal Kingdom. 

   *Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul exhorts the Christian community at Corinth to be courageous in the face of persecutions and even death. He tells them and us that his priority at all times is to please the Lord. Hence, he has no fear of appearing before the Lord. He pleads with them and us to lead a life pleasing to the Lord at all times so that they/we can expect due reward at the end of their/our lives.

The Kingdom of God.... is like a grain of mustard seed                                                 Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. Jesus gives His teachings about the Kingdom of God through two wonderful parables from the agricultural scenario. In the first parable, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a seed sown by a farmer. Once the seed is sown, the farmer waits patiently for the harvest time. The cycle of growth gradually unfolds. The farmer does not know how it takes place. Jesus concludes the parable and tells us that, just as the harvest comes in its own time, so the Kingdom will reach its completion in God's appointed time. It is for us to realize that it is God's Kingdom not of our own making. In the second parable, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a tiny mustard seed which is very small in size but when sown, it grows into a large shrub, which gives shade and shelter to various birds of the air. In the parable, Jesus contrasts  between the smallness of the seed and the luxurious growth of the plant. It reminds us that, small beginnings can make for mighty and great achievements. He assures us that littleness is no index of importance in God's Kingdom. Great saints like St. Theresa of Child Jesus and St. Francis of Assisi are prime examples of this fact. The small mustard seed grows to become a shelter for many birds. Jesus promises us that the Kingdom of God grows slowly and steadily to envelop the whole world. In the same way,  no matter how small our efforts may be - as small as that of a mustard seed to promote the values of the Kingdom God - God will multiply them with His hidden and mysterious power to bring about wonderful and unimaginable results. All we need to do is to put the tiny seed in suitable soil and to trust in the power of God. We may not necessarily see those results immediately. But Jesus assures us through these parables that they will certainly happen. As the saying goes: "Where will tomorrow's trees come from? From the shoots we plant today. Where will tomorrow's justice and peace get their start? From the seeds we sow with our hearts today." Let the grain of mustard seed grow to shelter the birds of the air! St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta said once: "We can do no great things, only small things with great love." Florence Nightingale said: "I never lose an opportunity of urging a practical beginning however small, for it is wonderful how often in such matters the mustard seed germinates and roots itself." May the good and loving Lord bless you all and inspire you to plant seeds of peace, love and justice everyday of your lives. Amen. 

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Tenth Sunday of the Year: B: June 9, 2024

 UNITY IS THE NEED OF THE HOUR: A DIVIDED KINGDOM CANNOT STAND

First Reading: Genesis : 9-15

Second Reading:  2 Corinthians 4: 13 to 5: 1

Gospel Reading: Mark 3: 20-25

   *First reading is from the book of Genesis. The fall of the first parents, Adam and Eve, is narrated. The after-effects of the fall grip the whole humankind. Adam and Eve fall to the temptations of Satan. The consequences are extremely tragic and unimaginable. When questioned by the Lord God about their disobedience, the Man blames the Woman and the Woman in turn blames the serpent. A division among themselves takes place. And the blame game, with its after-effects, goes on endlessly in this world after the first sin. 

   *Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. The numerous trials and sufferings that St. Paul had to undergo during his missionary activity are mentioned. In the midst of all his sufferings, Paul looks forward to a future world in which God will provide us with a permanent dwelling place to reside instead of the present world which is temporary and perilous. The idea of a future, eternal life and the resurrection of the dead is expressed by Paul in this passage. 

A divided kingdom                                                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. During His public ministry Jesus goes around preaching, teaching and healing many who were sick and suffering due to various ailments. In the midst of these activities, there is opposition and discomfort among His family members. They think Jesus is out of His mind and they try in vain to take Him home by force. Some serious accusations are leveled against Jesus by some of the Scribes. They accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus refutes them and tells them: "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand." He further clarifies by saying about the unforgivable sin. He tells them: "Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven." Jesus told this in the context of the Scribes' stubborn refusal to accept that Jesus worked the miracles by the power of God and consequently, He is sent by God. In the final part of today's Gospel, Jesus makes His clear. His family ties and blood-relationships are secondary to the mission entrusted to Him by the heavenly Father. So Jesus tells His listeners and us: "Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." Hence, when we too listen to the word of God and do the works of God, we too become blood relatives of the Lord. In the Gospel Jesus says: "No kingdom that is divided within itself can stand." I myself am a  divided kingdom. I am divided within myself. As St. Paul puts it: "The good which I want to do, I don't do; the evil which I want to avoid, I feel myself doing." 

"A divided kingdom cannot defend itself from its adversaries. A divided person cannot face life in a dignified way." - Paulo Coelho

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