Twenty-ninth Sunday of the Year: B: October 20, 2024

                        AUTHORITY AS SERVICE

First Reading: Isaiah 53: 10 to 11

Second Reading: Hebrews 4: 14 to 16

Gospel Reading: Mark 10: 35 to 45

   *First Reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah elaborates about the suffering servant of Yahweh (the Lord God) who will suffer for the sins of others. He takes on himself all the sins and sorrows of the world in order to remove them. Through him, many will be brought to the Lord God. But he will suffer much for the sins of others. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfilment in Jesus who suffered for the sins of the whole world. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Hebrews. It explains to us that Jesus in His earthly life was like us in all things except sin. Hence, He knows our every weakness. This reality should encourage us to approach the Lord in all our needs without any hesitation or doubt.

'Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant'                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A detailed explanation about who is truly great in the kingdom of God is given. This is in the context of James and John, the sons of Zebedee make a request to Jesus. They want to sit one at the right hand and the other at the left hand of Jesus when He comes in His glory. They are looking for a comfortable position for themselves. By worldly standards, the request in itself is quite legitimate. Because everyone aspires to have power and authority in the world. It is observed in the world around us - be it in the political sphere or in religious sphere - people invariably look for powerful positions so that they can control the lives of others and have comfortable and luxurious life style. However, Jesus has a totally different notion about authority. For Jesus, greatness begins with suffering and pain. Greatness is achieved through service. Jesus is known for reversal of values. He says: "The first shall be the last," "He who loses his life shall save it," and "He who humbles himself shall be exalted." Jesus expresses this teaching repeatedly in the Gospel. According to Him, authority is not for lording over other humans but for serving others. Jesus expresses it by telling His disciples: "Whoever wishes to become great among you, must be your servant and whoever wishes to be first among you must be the slave of all." James and John wanted to be great by having authority and power by sitting at the right hand and at the left hand of Jesus. But Jesus instructs them how to be truly great in the kingdom of God. In order to be great we have to be at the service of others. The word service might bother us a little because we commonly associate it with activity that is menial or demeaning. But the Lord uses the term service that includes any act that is noble and unselfish, any gesture that affirms and encourages someone, and any deed that is done with kindness and generosity. Today Jesus is challenging us to be great not be gaining power and authority or by sitting on places of honour and getting attention in public places. Hence, all acts of love and service done for other humans (includes all creation) is the criteria for true greatness. In this context, M.K. Gandhi says: "Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellowmen." And St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "Service to the humanity is service to God." May the Lord Jesus who came into the world not to be served but to serve, bless everyone of you and inspire you to do the same in your lives. 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.)

Twenty-eighth Sunday of the Year: B: October 13, 2024

 AN INVITATION TO GAIN ETERNAL LIFE

First Reading: Wisdom 7: 7 to 11

Second Reading: Hebrews 4: 12 to 13

Gospel Reading: Mark 10: 17 to 30

   *First reading is from the book of Wisdom. This passage praises the Wisdom of the Lord God. The priceless gift of  the Wisdom of  the Lord God is explained. All possessions - wealth and riches of the world - are nothing compared to the  Wisdom of the Lord God. Because all good things in the world have their origin in the Wisdom of the Lord God.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Hebrews. The mighty power of the Word of God is explained. God's Word is a source of true wisdom  for us. It helps us to live as God wants us to live. The Word of God is sharper than a double-edged sword which pierces through the soul and spirit. All who believe in the Lord are warned that nothing can be hidden from God, for their innermost thoughts and intentions are known to Him. 

The rich young man and Jesus                                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A young man desiring to inherit eternal life comes to Jesus and seeks His advice. Jesus begins by getting the man to look at 'where he has come from'. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments. The young man firmly says that he kept all the commandments all his life. He claims to be law-abiding, decent and a respectable person. After listening to him, Jesus looks at him with affection and invites this God-fearing and law-abiding young man to be one of His disciples with certain conditions. Jesus challenges him and offers him a new vision of goodness. He says: "Go and sell everything you have and give the money to the poor and come and follow me." When this young man heard these words of Jesus, he leaves Him and goes away quietly. Unfortunately, his vast wealth and possessions hold him back from being a disciple of Jesus. He is not willing to leave his worldly possessions and he loses the opportunity to gain eternal life. He is too much attached to his wealth rather than accepting the invitation of Jesus. What a hold possessions have on the human heart! How easily they can become our god! How they can take over our lives, absorbing our precious time, energy and attention, so that we become enslaved to them! The young man could not give them up. So he went away sad. After this incident, Jesus tells His disciples: "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples are rather surprised by this observation of Jesus. Because, according to the Jewish understanding, wealth and worldly possessions are sure signs of God's blessings. Hence, the rich young man in the Gospel loves his possessions more than God and he loses eternal life which he was in search of. Like this young man, sometimes we too think of a better and more authentic Christian life. But are we prepared to take the challenge of Jesus? Jesus is challenging everyone of us: "If you want to be perfect, sell everything, give to the poor and then come and follow me." Why not simplify our lives somewhat to free ourselves to follow the Lord more easily, more closely and yes, more joyously, believing that no matter how much we let go for the Lord, He will always give us back a hundredfold. Luke Chapter 16 verse 13 says: "You cannot serve God and money." May the Lord Jesus bless you all and grant you the grace to give up the worldly possessions and attachments that keep you away from the Lord so that you can possess 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" on Google search. Thanks.)

Twenty-seventh Sunday of the Year: B: October 6, 2024

 THE QUESTION OF MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE                                                                             (Is divorce permitted?)

First Reading: Genesis 2: 18 to 24

Second Reading: Hebrews 2: 9 to 11

Gospel Reading: Mark 10: 2 to 16

   *First reading is from the book of Genesis. The Lord God creates man and woman. He brings the woman to the man. When the man sees her, he readily acknowledges her as :"The bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh." This implies a very intimate and close relationship between man and woman. Hence God made man and woman for each other and to live in unity and harmony. Hence the creation story of the book of Genesis tells us that man and woman share equally the same human nature symbolically stated as the 'bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh'.

   *Second reading is from the letter to Hebrews. The humiliations, sufferings and death of Jesus on the cross is narrated. Through Jesus' death, salvation of humankind is perfected through sufferings. By entering fully into human life and experiencing the bitterness of death, Christ becomes a brother and a saviour to humankind. Paul reminds us that in order to be sanctified we too need to undergo sufferings in our lives. 

'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?                             Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. While Jesus is teaching, some people put the above question to Jesus. Ever since, the question is repeated in various forums and occasions. Is divorce permitted by the Church? Today's Gospel reading gives us some very interesting and deep insights regarding this rather difficult and very relevant question. Jewish law permits divorce. However, when asked , Jesus clearly and unequivocally states that it is allowed due to the hardness of their hearts. God never intended that married couples should ever divorce. Hence, the answer giver by Jesus: "What God has joined together, let not man put asunder" , is very important. His disciples asks for a clarification about this matter. So Jesus makes it clear and says, one who divorces his or her legally married partner and marries another commits the sin of adultery. Hence, the indissolubility of the marriage bond is affirmed by the Lord. As we are aware, breakdown of many of the marriages are due to selfishness and lack of respect and acceptance of one another by their partners. Unfortunately, these breakdowns are very much on the rise everyday. Often, it ends up in endless blame games, court battles and finally divorce. When two people get married, they bring to it their strengths and weaknesses, loves and hates, hurts and wounds, hopes and fears. This is the truth. But they also have a great potential for growth. This happens when they accept each other as they are - two imperfect and vulnerable humans. In any marriage there will be hard times. In those moments, they should not feel that God and the community abandoned them. In this context St. Pope John Paul II says: "Marriage is not an act of will that signifies and involves a mutual gift, which unites the spouses and binds them to their eventual souls, with whom they make up a sole family - a domestic Church. May the Lord Jesus who wants every married couple to live in mutual trust and faithfulness, bless all of you and help you to overcome the many challenges of your married life. Amen. 

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

Twenty-sixth Sunday of the Year: B: September 29, 2024

 THE VIRTUE OF TOLERANCE                                                ('He who is not against us is for us')

First Reading: Numbers 11: 25 to 29

Second Reading: James 5: 1 to 6

Gospel Reading: Mark 9: 38 to 43 and 45 to 48

   *First reading is from the book of Numbers. The Spirit of the Lord God descends on seventy elders of Israel. They are empowered to prophesy. However, two men who are not in that group - Elad and Medad - too receive the gift and they too are able to prophecy. Joshua who is ministering to Moses is upset and he wants Moses to forbid these two men from prophesying. But Moses is tolerant and tells Joshua that it is not right to be jealous of God's gifts. He takes a more positive and tolerant approach and says, "If only all the Lord's people are prophets that the Lord God would put His Spirit upon them."

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. James. The Apostle warns everyone that our ill-gotten wealth gained by oppressing labourers and harvesters will be an evidence against us before the Lord. He further elaborates and says that everyone who lives in luxury and pleasure will be answerable if they do not share their wealth with the poor and the needy. Hence, the Apostle's message contains a strong condemnation of wealth, especially when it is accumulated through the exploitation of the weak and the poor. 

'He who is not against us is with us'                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. In the first part of the Gospel, Jesus explains to His disciples the need for tolerance and respect of other people who differ from us. John, one of the twelve Apostles, tells Jesus about a man who is casting out demons in the name of Jesus and that he had forbidden this man because he is not a follower of the Lord. Instead of backing up John's efforts to stop this man, Jesus seems to approve of such people working miracles in His name. After listening to John, Jesus expresses His concern about John's action. He corrects him and tells him: "He who is not against us is with us." Hence, Jesus takes a more positive and tolerant view that instead of discouraging such persons and such actions, they should be encouraged. Through this intervention, Jesus gives a very important lesson for all of us who believe in the Lord. We should positively encourage all those who do good in the world around us, no matter whether they belong to our community/ ethnic group or they belong to different faiths. We should be open to the working of the Spirit of God and recognize the works of God done through such people. In this context it may be good to realize that faith in Jesus and healings done in the powerful name of the Lord, are not merely restricted to those who follow Him physically. In the second part of today's Gospel, Jesus severely warns that anyone who leads the little ones to sin will be severely punished. Crimes against children are on the rise. Jesus further adds that even if an essential organ of our body like the eye or the hand is a cause of sin, we should not hesitate to get rid of it rather than face eternal punishment. In the context of today's Gospel, the Second Vatican council says: "On our part there must be no pride or arrogance, no contempt or lack of reverence for people of different beliefs." The following anonymous quote is pertinent here: "The love of one's country is a natural thing. But why should we stop at the border?" May the Lord Jesus who healed the Centurion's servant and healed the daughter of the Canaanite woman, and expressed His tolerance to people of other faiths, bless you and inspire you all to be truly kind and tolerant to people of other religious traditions. 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.) 

Twenty-fifth Sunday of the Year: B: September 22, 2024

      THE TRUE GREATNESS OF A PERSON

First Reading: Wisdom 2: 12 and 17-20

Second Reading: James 3: 16 to 4: 3

Gospel Reading: Mark 9: 30-37

   *First reading is from the book of Wisdom. A detailed explanation about the evil designs of the godless who plot against the righteous and the upright people is given. The just person is inconvenient to them because he/she stands against their evil plans. So they want to do away with him/her by deceit and cunning ways.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. James. The Apostle elaborates the causes of division and fights, whether it is within a family, within a community or between nations. Jealousy, ambition and selfishness lead people to do vile practices. It leads to disharmony and constant fighting. But we should always strive for wisdom from above which is pure and peaceable. It brings good fruits in our lives.  

Who is the greatest?                                                         Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A sharp difference in perception between Jesus and His disciples is observed in their discussions. After Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah - the anointed one of God - Jesus explains to them that the Messiah has to suffer bitter humiliation and die an ignominious death. The disciples totally reject such and idea. They are more concerned about who is the greatest among them. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus explains to them about  true greatness in His kingdom. His kingdom is not about seeking honour and glory. It is about serving others. It is not about sitting on high chairs and soft seats, with others bowing and kneeling before them. It is about being down on the knees with a basin of water in one hand and a towel  in the other, washing the feet of 'the little ones'. He tells them: "Whoever wants to be first among you has to be the last of all and be the servant of all." Hence for Jesus, true greatness is in serving others. Maybe many of us are like the disciples of Jesus and we often measure greatness according to the standards of the world: Position, power and wealth. We often fail to accept and appreciate true greatness according to the standards of the Lord. Today Jesus is inviting us to be part of His kingdom by being at the service of the nobody's of the world. Jesus has given us the great example of washing the feet of His Apostles and sharing His own body and blood with us - mere mortals. Christ not only urges us to do this, but also He gives His example. He gives His very life for others. No one can do greater than that. Many saints - holy men and women - have followed this teaching of Jesus in their lives. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and St. Francis of Assisi are prime examples of serving the poorest of the poor. They have shown us through their exemplary lives how to be truly great in the kingdom of God through their selfless and dedicated service. Now it is our turn to accept Jesus' invitation to achieve true greatness through our service to the fellow beings. May the Lord Jesus who through His humble service has shown us how to serve and not to be served, bless all of you and inspire you to do same in your lives and become truly great. 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.)

Twenty-fourth Sunday of the Year: B: September 15, 2024

THE TRUE IDENTITY OF JESUS ('Who do you say that I am?')

First Reading: Isaiah 50: 5-9

Second Reading: James 2: 14-18

Gospel Reading: Mark 8: 27-35

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. The sufferings and the rejection experienced by Prophet Isaiah from the people of Israel are narrated. Many people try to disgrace him and harm him on various occasions, but he firmly trusts in the Lord God. He will not be harmed in any way because the Lord God vindicates him and protects him. Prophet Isaiah's rejection and sufferings are an allusion to the suffering servant (Jesus) of the Lord God. Further, Isaiah tells us how to recognize the Messiah. In spite of his many sufferings, the Messiah will be the one who will not turn back from his course. Instead, he will set his face like flint and go on to achieve his purpose.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. James. The Apostle exhorts the Christian community that faith in itself is of no use if it is not accompanied by concrete actions. He gives the specific example of a person who is hungry and that of another who has no clothing. It is not enough to tell the hungry person, 'be filled' or the other, 'be warmed' without making any effort to give food or clothing to the needy. Hence, our faith should lead us to appropriate actions. A faith that does not lead to works of love -such as kindness, compassion, forgiveness - is indeed useless and dead. In this context St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: 'If we believe, we will love. If we love, we will serve.'

"You are the Christ: The Messiah" (The confession of St. Peter)                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. During His discussion with His disciples, Jesus gives us some important clarifications about Himself and His divine mission. On His way to the village, Caesarea Philippi, Jesus puts two important questions to His disciples. First: "Who do men say that I am?" The disciples give various answers: Some say, John the Baptist, others say, Elijah or one of the ancient prophets etc. Then Jesus puts a very personal question to them. "Who do you say that I am?" Immediately, St. Peter confesses: 'You are the Christ- the Messiah, the anointed one of God.' Subsequently, Jesus tries to explain to them the significance of being the Messiah or the Christ. He tells them plainly that He has to suffer much and finally die. The disciples do not comprehend or appreciate such an answer from their Master. Hence, they vehemently protest saying: Such a thing should never happen. Jesus patiently explains to them: to be His disciple would mean that anyone who follows Him, must take up his cross daily and follow Him. And whoever wants to be first has to be the servant of all. This is a total reversal of values in the kingdom of Jesus. Probably not only the disciples but we too often fail to understand the values of Jesus. Jesus is putting the very same question to each one of us. Each of us has to make a personal decision regarding who Jesus is for him/her. To be a part of Jesus' life would mean that we have to die to our selfishness, pride , desire for power and positions in all its forms in our daily lives. Jesus had to lose His life and die to enter into the glory by rising from the dead. May the Lord Jesus who took up the cross and died for us strengthen us in our daily trials and crosses that we too may receive the eternal reward promised by Him. 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.)

Twenty-third Sunday of the Year: B: September 8, 2024 & Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

            JESUS THE DIVINE HEALER

First Reading: Isaiah 35: 4-7

Second Reading: James 2: 1-5

Gospel Reading: Mark 7: 31-37

Every year on September 8, the Church celebrates the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our heavenly mother. Let us specially pray to our blessed mother that we may be guided by her and experience her heavenly protection in our daily lives.

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about the future happenings that will take place by the power of the Lord God. The Prophet urges those who are losing heart to take courage, for the Lord God is coming to vindicate and save His people. He assures the people of Israel that the Lord God will save His people from various problems they face. He tells them that the blind, the deaf, the lame and the dumb will be healed by the power of the Lord God. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfilment in Jesus, the Son of God. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. James. The Apostle exhorts the members of the Christian community not to be partial to anyone because one is rich or poor. Class distinction has no place among  Christians. He reminds us that the earthly riches or powerful positions in the society are no criterion for any distinctions in the community. Because all are equal before God. 

"He even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak."                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A detailed description of how Jesus heals a deaf and dumb man is narrated. During His public ministry, Jesus healed many who were sick and those suffering from various infirmities. One such incident is narrated today. A deaf and dumb man is brought to Jesus by some people. Jesus takes him aside to a secluded place and puts His finger into the man's ears. Then He touches the man's tongue with spittle. Jesus then commands,"Ephphatha", which means 'be opened'. Immediately a miracle takes place: The deaf and dumb man is healed by Jesus and he is able to hear clearly and speak fluently. Faculties of hearing and speech are gifts of God. Jesus feels compassion for this unfortunate man who lacked these faculties. By His words and actions Jesus restores those lost faculties and makes him whole. Now it is our turn to realize that Jesus is able to restore all our lost powers, unused and unrecognized talents once we put our trust in the Lord. The touch of the divine healer continues to transform our lives once we totally put our trust in the Lord. Further, by our actions and prayers, we can bring hope and solace to those people who are suffering from various physical and mental ailments and challenges. Jesus not only touches the ears and tongue but He touches the hearts of everyone of us. Jesus invites us to continue His work in our lives. Further, Jesus not only touches us with His divine hands but also uses our human hands to touch others: To sustain the fatherless and the widow, protect the stranger and raise up those bowed down with various challenges in life. In this context Biblical resources say: "At our baptism we were all touched on the ear and mouth. In this way we are in the story and are invited to see ourselves in the man who was cured." St. Teresa of Avila mentions: "I alone cannot do anything. Jesus alone will not do anything. Jesus and I do everything." May the Lord Jesus, who healed the deaf and dumb man and brought wholeness to the unfortunate man, bring His healing touch in the lives of everyone of you and bring wholeness in your lives. May the Blessed Mother accompany you in times of challenging situations in your lives. 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.)