Thirty-first Sunday of the Year: B: November 3, 2024

            THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

First Reading: Deuteronomy 6: 2-6

Second Reading: Hebrews 7: 23-28

Gospel Reading: Mark 12: 28-34

   *First reading is from the book of Deuteronomy. Moses asks the people of Israel to love the Lord their God to obey His commandments and to walk in His ways. He instructs them that the Lord God wants their wholehearted obedience to His commandments and not mere lip service to Him. If they do so, he promises them that the Lord God will bless them abundantly and will give them a land flowing with milk and honey.  

   *Second reading is from the letter to Hebrews. Jesus is exemplified as the perfect High Priest, holy and blameless, who offered Himself once and for all, for sinners. He continues to intercede for them. It is not necessary for Him to offer sacrifices daily like the other high priests who are appointed by the law. Those appointed by the law are weak in nature. 

Love of God and love of neighbour                                                             Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A Scribe puts an important question to Jesus: "Which is the greatest commandment?" The answer to this question could be innumerable. In His answer, Jesus gives not one but two commandments. He says: "Love your God with all your heart, with all your mind and with all your soul," which is a quote from the book of Deuteronomy. Then Jesus adds a verse from the book of Leviticus: "And you shall love your neighbour as yourself." Jesus' simple statements embrace everything we need to do to serve God. Every action in our lives is included in these two laws. He demands a radical change in our attitudes and actions. When we love other people, we are loving people in the image and likeness of God. We cannot love God and hate others. First of all, the love of God demands a wholehearted commitment from us. It does not begin and end with Sunday services but rather, God becomes the center and source of our very being. Secondly, love of neighbour means a goodwill that is boundless and extends to those for whom we have no personal liking and who may not even belong to our family, clan or nationality. The perfect example of the love of our neighbour is elaborated in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Hence for Jesus, love of one's neighbour has no boundaries or barriers. In other words, love of God and love of neighbour are two sides of the same coin. Love of God cannot exist without love of neighbour and vice-versa. Hence today Jesus reminds us that there are really only two commandments. The first is to love God and the second is to love our neighbour. They are not meant to be mutually exclusive. But we often separate them. It is contrary to the Gospel. It is a tragedy of our times that many people who have faith often have no love for others. Whereas some who have love often have no faith. A seeker wrote the following: 'I went to the mountains to seek wisdom, but did not find it. I went to the sea to seek peace, but did not find it. I went to the temple to seek God, but did not find Him. Finally, I went to serve my neighbour and I found all the three.' God in His infinite wisdom has bestowed on us the great power to love where mere matter - our mind, our intellect, our will and our whole self - is spontaneously transformed to the immense love of God and the love of our neighour. Jesus is inviting us to follow this instinct of love.  In this context St. Teresa of Calcutta says: "How can I love God and not care for His image?" And Matthew 25: 40 says: "Whatsoever you do to the least of these my brothers you do to me." May the Lord Jesus, who gave His very life out of love for humankind inspire you to love God and to love your neighbour as yourself. 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.)

Thirtieth Sunday of the Year: B: October 27, 2024

       JESUS THE COMPASSIONATE LORD

First Reading : Jeremiah 31: 7 to 9

Second Reading: Hebrews 5: 1 to 6

Gospel Reading: Mark 10: 46 to 52

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah gives a message of hope for the people of Israel. He foretells the return of the Lord God's people from exile in Babylon. He gives the assurance that the Lord God will lead them back to their promised land and eventually restore its lost glory.

   *Second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. In Jesus Christ we have a compassionate and merciful high priest who is able to deal gently with the ignorant and the wayward. He is able to understand all our weaknesses and failures. He offers up our gifts and sacrifices to God on our behalf. 

Jesus heals Bartimaeus, the blind beggar                                                   Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A detailed narration of the dramatic healing of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar from Jericho, is given. The narrative is like a one-act play with seven scenes - rather seven verses. In the first verse, Jesus and His disciples are leaving Jericho on His final journey to Jerusalem. In the second verse, Bartimaeus hears that Jesus of Nazareth, the divine healer, is passing by the street. Realizing that this is a chance of a life-time, he cries aloud: "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me." It is the cry of a very desperate man for urgent help. In the third verse, people of the town rebuke him and tell him to keep quiet. But Bartimaeus shouts  all the more louder that Jesus may hear his plea. In our moments of deep despair, when we cry aloud to God, He invariably hears our cry. In the fourth verse, Jesus stops and calls for Bartimaeus. Jesus wants us too to stop and help those who are sitting at the wayside of life, looking for help. In the fifth verse, Bartimaeus immediately responds to Jesus' call with great enthusiasm. But in our case, often we are lethargic to respond to the call of the divine Master. In the sixth verse, Jesus asks a key question to the blind man: "What do you want me to do for you?" Bartimaeus immediately responds with total faith: "Lord, let me see." Finally in the seventh verse, Jesus heals Him and commends his exemplary faith. Bartimaeus, realizing that he is healed, praises God and follows Jesus. This miracle story has some deep insights and spiritual messages for our lives. It is a very powerful example of how we should make use of our opportunities, grasp them and take hold of them until we receive what we need from God. As Bartimaeus had an irresistible desire to be healed, we too need such determination in our lives. This miracle story should help us in the following ways: 1. To be persistent in our requests to God. 2. To have faith that God will grant our requests. 3. A desire to express our gratitude to God when He answers our prayers. It is said that the blind see more than those who have sight. This is not a contradiction. There are more ways of seeing than through our eyes. Bartimaeus was born blind and he could not see Jesus. Yet, he had more faith in Jesus than many who saw Jesus physically in Jericho. The fact that we have two good eyes does not mean that we see what is important in life. Through this miracle, first of all, Jesus is inviting us to do what he did for Bartimaeus: Not to pass by the lonely and the abandoned persons who are on the wayside of their lives. He is inviting us to bring light into the lives of such unfortunate persons by our  care, love and compassion. Secondly, Lord Jesus is stopping by and inviting us to Himself, He is ready to restore our lost vision and hopes and grant His heavenly healing touch. May the good and compassionate Lord bring light into the hearts of everyone of you and bring wholeness to 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-ninth Sunday of the Year: B: October 20, 2024

                     GREATNESS THROUGH 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 making 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 a 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 by gaining power and authority or by sitting in 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.)