Twenty-sixth Sunday of the Year: C: September 28, 2025

 THE PERILS OF NEGLECTING THE POOR

Introduction: In today's Gospel we have an interesting story of two people: A rich man and Lazarus. Lazarus is a very poor man. He is dressed in rags, full of sores, and hadn't even a crumb of bread to eat. He has no friends except the street dogs. He is in utter misery, with nothing to depend on. The rich man, on the other hand, is very well off. He lives in a mansion, wears  the most expensive clothes and eats and drinks and enjoys life to the full. Yet, in the eyes of God, the rich man is the poorer of the two. Jesus invites us to have a look at ourselves and see our poverty before the Almighty. Ask His forgiveness for our numerous and persistent refusals to share our possessions, our refusal to forgive and our refusal to share our love with the lonely and the unloved.

First Reading: Amos 6: 1 and 4 to 7

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6: 11 to 16

Gospel Reading: Luke 16: 19 to 31

   *First Reading is from the book of Prophet Amos. Amos speaks harshly to the wealthy and  powerful people of Judah and Israel. He sternly warns the complacent who live luxuriously and neglect the poor and the needy. They do not care for the plight of the poor. Besides, their conduct will bring disaster to whole nation. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Timothy. Paul praises Timothy and encourages him in his pastoral care. He gives the example of Jesus who was always faithful to His call in the face of hostility and even death. He exhorts that Christians should lead a life of righteousness, love and kindness. They should be always be faithful to God's call. 

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus                                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is narrated in great detail. The rich man(who is not named in the parable) lives a lavish life: Expensive clothing, sumptuous meals and palatial houses are at his disposal. Whereas Lazarus the poor man - sick, sores all over the body and starving - is lying at the gate of the rich man. During his earthly life, the rich man enjoys life to the brim. Whereas Lazarus suffers much and finally dies. After his death, Lazarus finds comfort in Abraham's bosom. The sin of the rich man, as narrated in the parable, consists not in what he did but rather what he did not do for this poor Lazarus, who was in dire need and in total misery. Finally, the rich man too dies. Death is a great leveler of all inequalities. The reversal of fortunes of these two is the central theme of the parable. With death, the roles of the rich man and Lazarus are dramatically and irrevocably changed. Now, it is the turn of the rich man to get some attention from Abraham and the pity of Lazarus who is enjoying the comfort of the next life. But it is too late. An abyss separates them and it is an abyss for which the rich man himself is responsible. The parable graphically explains what happens when we enjoy our wealth selfishly, showing little or no concern for the poor and the downtrodden of the society. The central point of the parable is the outlook we have on happiness. Happiness consists in experiencing God present in our own lives - in good times and in bad times; amidst plenty and amidst poverty. Happiness is in helping the poor lying at our 'gate': By showing compassion and love, by caring for the aged and physically challenged, comforting the depressed and the oppressed. Hence, Jesus' parable invites us to live more simply, to share more readily, and to live more fully so that we can be true followers of the Lord. As a Rabbinical saying goes: "A person's wealth consists not in what he keeps but in what he gives away." In this context St. Cyril of Jerusalem says: "The parable declares that they who abound in earthly riches, unless they will relieve the necessities of the poor, shall meet with a heavy condemnation." St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "The biggest disease in the world today is the feeling of being unwanted [like Lazarus at the gate of the rich man]. And the greatest evil in the world today is the lack of love." 

Conclusion: Some may think that this parable is not addressed to us: We are not rich, just enough to make both ends meet. Even though we may not be immensely rich like the rich man in the parable, we have many things that we can share with someone in need. The question is: "Who is sitting outside our 'gate'?- begging not necessarily for bread, but maybe for a word of recognition, or companionship, or love or forgiveness." And the time to share is now. If not, it may be too late as in the case of the rich man in the parable. 

May the Lord Jesus, who teaches us the necessity of sharing our resources with the poor and the needy, bless you and give you a generous heart and eternal happiness in the world to come. 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, September 28, 2025." Thanks.)

Twenty-fifth Sunday of the Year: C: September 21, 2025

     YOU CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS!

Introduction: Today, Jesus gives us three separate statements about money and material things. In the first statement Jesus says: "Use money, tainted as it is, to win you friends, and thus make sure that when it fails you, they will welcome you into the tents of eternity." On the one hand, Jesus warns us about the temporary nature of wealth; on the other hand, Jesus is suggesting how to use our wealth wisely. In the second statement Jesus says: "The man who can be trusted in little things can be trusted in great." While earthly things have their own intrinsic value, they are not as great as eternal life. Yet, the use of those little things of this world will eventually determine our rewards in heaven. In His third statement Jesus says: "You cannot serve God and wealth." We cannot be totally committed to the cause of God if we are excessively concerned about making money. 

First Reading: Amos 8: 4 to 7

Second Reading: 1Timothy 2: 1 to 8

Gospel Reading: Luke 16: 1 to 13

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Amos. Amos was a great champion of social justice during his time. He severely criticizes the exploitative structures of the society of that time. He announces the Lord God's wrath on those who oppress and persecute the poor. He strongly condemns and deprecates the so called 'religious' people waiting impatiently for the Sabbath to end so that they can get on with their dishonest and nefarious activities. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Timothy. Paul urges Timothy to lead his community in offering prayers, intercession, adoration and thanksgiving to God especially for those who hold public office. Because God wants everyone to be saved.

Faithfulness in little = Faithfulness in much                                                  Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. In the first part of the Gospel, Jesus narrates the parable of the dishonest manager. When the manager is about to be dismissed from his job by his master, he cleverly makes friendship with his master's debtors by reducing their debt which they owe to the master. Deals are made and his future is secured. Jesus does not commend the dishonesty of the man but praises him for his resourcefulness and cleverness to deal with a crisis situation, making use of his master's wealth, which is temporary. Jesus urges us and warns us to be more enterprising in using worldly things for gaining eternal life. In the second part of today's Gospel, Jesus warns us that no one can serve two masters: God and Mammon. These two do not go together. If we are too much attached to worldly possessions, God takes a back seat in our lives and slowly and surely God is soon forgotten. We cannot be faithful and devoted to two masters. So also with God and Mammon (in Aramaic Mammon means riches/treasure). Hence, Jesus' message for us is that the only way we can be trusted with possession or wealth is if they do not 'possess' us. In this context L.P. Smith says: "Those who set out to serve both God and Mammon soon discover that there is no God." St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "God  does not create poverty. We do because we do not share what we have." 

Conclusion: In today's parable of the dishonest servant, we have a strange character whom Jesus holds up as a model for us! In simple language, he is a scoundrel. Yet, Jesus says we could learn something from him. Here is a man totally dedicated to achieving a smart way of life based on money and what it could buy. In the society today, we meet many such persons. How money talks! How many doors open to it? In reality it is the only god worshipped by many. To some extent, we are all bitten by this bug. Jesus invites us to show the commitment and hard work in pursuit of goodness, compassion and love for the neighbour especially the lost and the least. 

May the Lord Jesus, who warns us about the dangers of worldly possessions, bless you and give you the strength to trust in God more than anything that the world offers. 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, September 21, 2025." Thanks.) 

Twenty-fourth Sunday of the Year: C: September 14, 2025

 OUR LOVING AND MERCIFUL GOD  :The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. 

Introduction: Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the triumph of the Holy Cross. Jesus was crucified in AD 33 and the original cross was lost for many years. By the efforts of St. Helena for many years, Holy Cross was re-discovered from the ruins in AD 326. Until the year 614, the main portion of the Cross was kept in Jerusalem. The city was invaded by Persians in that year and the Holy Cross was taken to Persia. However, in AD 629, Heraclius of the Byzantine empire brought back the Holy Cross to Jerusalem, where it is venerated. This feast was instituted by the Church to commemorate the return of the Holy Cross to Jerusalem. As we celebrate this feast, we are reminded of the words of St. Paul that Jesus, being obedient unto death on a cross, brought salvation to the whole world. Thus Cross symbolizes our own redemption and the great sacrifice of the Lord for all of us. 

First Reading: Exodus 32: 7 to 11 and 13 to 14

Second Reading: 1Timothy 1: 12 to 17

Gospel Reading: Luke 15: 1 to 10

   *First reading is from the book of Exodus. The chosen people of God disobey the Lord God and go away from the love of the Lord God.  They turn their back on their Lord and saviour who brought them out of the slavery of Egypt. They go after other gods and worship idols made with human hands. The Lord God wants to destroy the rebellious and disobedient people. But Moses pleads with the Lord God for the people of Israel who committed sins and became idolaters. The Lord God listens to the plea of Moses and spares them from destruction and punishment.

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Timothy. Paul recalls his sinful past and expresses his gratefulness and thanks to God and for the infinite mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. He affirms that Christ came into the world to save sinners. Through his own conversion Paul experiences the love and mercy of God. 

The Good Shepherd                                                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Jesus graphically illustrates for us the love and mercy of God for the least and the lost ones through two parables: The parable of the Good Shepherd and the parable of the lost coin. The Pharisees complain that Jesus is socializing with sinners and outcasts of the society. In this context, Jesus narrates the two parables. In the first parable, Jesus portrays God as a shepherd who has 100 sheep. When one of them is lost, he leaves the other 99 and goes in search of the lost one. The shepherd goes after the lost one because of two reasons: First of all, the lost sheep by itself cannot find its way back. Secondly, the shepherd loves everyone of his sheep and he is greatly disturbed when one of them is lost. Similarly, the heavenly Father, when we His children go astray and get lost, is in great pain. The Good Shepherd searches for the lost one till He finds it. The second parable is about the lost coin. A woman has 10 coins in her possession. When one of them is lost, she searches diligently for the lost one till she finds it. The lost coin might be part of her ancestral possessions representing the most precious possession and her future security. (As suggested by some of the biblical scholars) She relentlessly searches for it until she finds the lost coin. When she finally finds it, she is filled with great joy. Hence, no matter how deep we fall or how far we wander from the loving and merciful God, He never ever gives up. He searches for us until He finds us. Everyone -the least and the lost- is very very important and precious in the sight of God. In this context, St. Augustine says: "There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future." 

Conclusion: All of us have had some experiences of being 'lost'. To be in sin is to be lost, to be away from the love of the Father. But we also have had some experiences of being 'found' by the Lord, the Good Shepherd. In our world today, there are many 'lost' ones - lost morally, spiritually, in many and various ways of the world. Many of them are lost because there is no one to take interest in them, to love them and to guide them. We who have experienced the love and mercy of the Good Shepherd are expected to share that love and mercy with the least and to the lost. 

May the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, bless you and may you experience His love and mercy everyday of your life. Amen.

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

Twenty-third Sunday of the Year: C: September 7, 2025

               THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

Introduction: The challenges of becoming a disciple of Jesus are amply explained in today's Gospel. Discipleship is a serious commitment that requires much thought and careful deliberation. It is a venture that demands total dedication. Everything else become secondary if Jesus is to be the Lord of our life. When Jesus says that we must hate our family members, He is using a semitic expression meaning that we must give the first preference to Him and to nothing else. 

First Reading: Wisdom 9: 13 to 18

Second Reading: Philemon 9 to 10 and 12 to 17

Gospel Reading: Luke 14: 25 to 33

   *First reading is from the book of Wisdom. Faced with the great mysteries of the universe, we are ignorant of the meaning, history and the mind of the Lord God. But the Lord God has bestowed us with the gift of wisdom. The Lord God sends His Holy Spirit so that we may always walk in the right path so as to conduct our affairs prudently.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philemon. Philemon was a Colossian brought to faith in Jesus by Paul. Paul advises Philemon concerning his slave Onesimus who had run away and somehow reached Paul who was in prison. Listening to Paul, Onesimus becomes a believer in the Lord Jesus. Paul urges Philemon to take back Onesimus not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. 

Renunciation: An important requirement for discipleship                     Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Jesus explains the cost of becoming a disciple to His followers. These instructions are given in the context of the fact that many wanted to become His disciples. Jesus tells them the following: 1. They should evaluate and count the cost of being His disciples. 2. Jesus demands that he/she should hate one's family and even one's own very self. 3. A disciple of Jesus has to take up his/her crosses daily and follow Him. Hence, Jesus makes it clear that one must be ready to sacrifice one's dearest things in life: Family ties and one's own very life. In certain situations in life, a disciple may have to choose between Jesus and what is very dear to him/her. Jesus elaborates this message of renunciation through two parables. 1. One who intends to build a tower needs to sit down and estimate the cost of completing it. Later if he/she is unable to finish the work, he/she will become a laughing stock for others. 2. A king who goes to war against another king has to first sit down and evaluate the possibility of winning the war with his current resources. It not, he looks for terms of peace to settle the conflict. Jesus makes it very clear that discipleship has to be taken seriously. It could mean that a disciple has to undergo many sufferings, persecutions and even death. The history of the Church constantly reminds us that discipleship had cost much suffering and bloodshed throughout the centuries. As in any sphere of life, one has to weigh the pros and cons before taking a final decision. Hence, one must calculate the cost before venturing to become a disciple of Jesus. Accepting the crosses gives us immense graces that will lead us to eternal life. Blessed Mother Mary is the perfect example of true discipleship. In this context, Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "The first call which every Christian experiences is the call to abandon the attachment to this world." D. M. Bickerstaff says: "The key (to discipleship) is not to ignore life's demands but simply to integrate them to your life of faith. That is why Jesus teaches that we are to seek the kingdom first and then all else will be provided." Again, Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "To deny oneself is to be aware only of Christ and no more self." 

Conclusion: We have to count the cost before we commit ourselves to accompany Jesus on His journey to Jerusalem, where He will die and rise. If we are unwilling to give up our sinful inclinations, or change a lifestyle opposed to the Gospel values, or do not want to make some sacrifices to lend a helping hand to our neighbour, we can't call ourselves true disciples of Jesus. Whatever may be our losses in this life due to our commitment to the Lord, we can be confident that it is nothing compared to the heavenly glory that we will experience at the resurrection.

May the Lord Jesus, who gave His life for our salvation, bless you and grant you the grace to follow Him with total commitment. 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, September 7, 2025." Thanks.)

Twenty-second Sunday of the Year: C: August 31, 2025

 HUMILITY: THE MOTHER OF ALL VIRTUES

Introduction: Humility is a mark of all truly great people. Sirach states: "Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favour with God."(Sirach 3:18)  Humility is a quality Jesus Himself has. He says: "Learn of me, for I am gentle and humble of heart." (Mt. 11:29) Unfortunately the virtue of humility has fallen on hard times in today's world. Books, articles, videos and social media abound promoting aggressive behaviour, assertive training and affirmative action. Humility is not what we call the 'in-thing' today. And yet, humility remains at the root of our Christian life. 

First Reading: Sirach 3: 17 to 20 and 28 to 29

Second Reading: Hebrews 12: 18 to 19 and 22 to 24

Gospel Reading: Luke 14: 1 and 7 to 14

   *First reading is from the book of Sirach. A description about the great virtue of humility is given. It tells us that a humble person is always open to the promptings of the Lord God. He/she never rejects wisdom, no matter where it comes from. Humility is the real test of true greatness. The greater a person is, the more humble he/she should be. The message is: Be humble and you will find favour with the Lord God. Sirach advises us to carry out day to day business- in the office, family and in every situation in life- gently. That is, taking into account the weak, the poor and the insignificant. We will be loved the better for it. 

   *Second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. A comparison between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion is given. It elaborates that, Sinai is a place where the old Covenant was made whereas, Zion stands for the heavenly city where many angels, saints and Jesus Himself is present.

Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.                                                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. On a particular occasion, Jesus and His disciples are invited to a Pharisee's house for dinner. Many prominent persons from the town are invited too. Most them are eager to take the best available seats because each of them considers himself to be more important than all the others. Observing this, Jesus gives a lesson on humility to His disciples. He instructs them as follows: When you are invited to a function, do not occupy places of honour. Because, in case a person more worthy than you is invited, the host may come and request you to give the honourable place to that person. Consequently, you will be put in an embarrassing and humiliating situation. However, if you are occupying a less honourable place and the host requests you to occupy a more honourable place, you will be honoured in the presence of everyone there. Hence, the virtue of humility is of great importance in the life of a follower of the Lord. It ranks right up there with the great reversal of values in the Gospels (as told by Jesus): To lose one's life is to find it; the last shall be the first; the humble shall be exalted. In this context St. Augustine says: "Do you wish to raise yourself? Begin by humbling yourself. Are you dreaming of building an edifice that will tower to the skies? Begin by laying the foundation of humility." The great poet Rabindranath Tagore says: "We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility."  St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted and ardent." 

Conclusion: The humble people can look at both the heights and the depths of their personalities without becoming proud over the one, or discouraged by the other. Such are the truly great people. Their humility empowers them to take on difficult challenges, explore the unknown and attempt what is seemingly impossible because they are aware of their own inner resources and strength. Thus humility helps them to accept mistakes, admit limitations and smile at failures. 

May the Lord Jesus, who humbled Himself to become human and taught us that by humbling ourselves, we become truly great, bless you and give you the grace to be a sign of humility and graciousness in all situations in 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, August 31, 2025." Thanks.)

Twenty-first Sunday of the Year: C: August 24, 2025

  A QUESTION OF UNIVERSAL SALVATION

Introduction: Jesus warns the people of His time not to pin their hopes of salvation on the mere fact that they are members of the chosen people of God. He urges them to make their way in to heaven 'by the narrow gate.' They have to make strenuous effort to achieve this goal. Jesus offers the kingdom of God not just to the Jews but to all people from the four corners of the world. However, He makes it clear that only those who follow the path of Jesus will gain access to it. 

First Reading: Isaiah 66: 18 to 21

Second Reading: Hebrews 12: 5 to 7 and 11 to 13

Gospel Reading: Luke 13: 22 to 30

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about a time of universal salvation. He elaborates that the Lord God is going to gather all nations and language groups into one fold. The Lord God in His goodness, mercy and love wants to gather the dispersed people and bring reconciliation to everyone. Further, Isaiah assures us that people will come to Jerusalem from all nations and they will bring offerings to the Lord God. For priestly duties too, persons from every nation will be selected. 

Second reading is from the letter to Hebrews. It is a known fact that every father disciplines his son/daughter. If we are disciplined and chastised by God, it is a sure sign that God treats us as His own children. God trains us, His children, through many sufferings, so that we may grow to maturity and reach our goal. Hence discipline, training and perseverance are essential pre-requisites for the final glory that we will experience in future. 

Men will come from east and west                                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. One of the listeners asks Jesus regarding the number of people who will be eventually saved. He is obviously anxious to know about his own salvation and the salvation of others. In His reply: 1. Jesus exhorts everyone to enter through the narrow door. The door is open, but it is narrow. We have to struggle strenuously to enter through it. 2. The time is short. The door is open but soon it will be closed. None of us will live forever. The door is already being closed to today's opportunities. 3. There is no favouritism in the kingdom. People will enter from east and west, from north and south;  rich and poor, black, brown and white. 4. Some reversals and surprises will occur. The first may be last and the last may be first. The poor may step ahead of the rich; the simple may surpass the clever and the learned. Jesus then narrates the parable of a house-owner (God) who closes the door at night and many want to enter through that door. They give many reasons so that they can gain admittance: Eating and drinking with Him, living in His neighbourhood, etc. But the master of that house is not convinced and dismisses them from his presence. Further, Jesus adds that many people from east and west, north and south (universal salvation), will enter the kingdom of God. It is our personal choice whether to enter through the narrow door (challenging life) which leads to eternal life or to enter through the wide door (easy life) which leads to eternal damnation. Hence, through the parable, Jesus tells us that entering the kingdom of God is not restricted to just a few people but open to people from every nationality , ethnic groups and various communities. The path of Jesus (the narrow door) gives access to the kingdom of God. In this context James Baldwin says: "The concept of God should make us larger, freer and more loving." St. John Paul II (Pope) says: "Jesus came to bring integral salvation, one which embraces the whole person and all mankind."   

Conclusion: Jesus tells us that there are two roads that we can follow. The first is wide and easy to travel. That does not lead to eternal life. The second road is narrow and difficult. We will often have to go it alone. It is uphill most of the way. It is the way of service to God and neighbour. Few take this road. They are the chosen ones. Eventually they enter the promised land with joy and happiness. All of us are invited by the Lord to take the narrow path that leads to eternal life. 

May the Lord Jesus who wants everyone to enter through the narrow door and reach eternal life bless you and lead you to heavenly glory. 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, August 24, 2025." Thanks.)

Twentieth Sunday of the Year: C: August 17, 2025

 THE CHALLENGES OF CHRIST'S MISSION 

Introduction: 'I came to cast fire on earth.. I came, not to bring peace, but the sword.' Fire and sword - strange words to hear coming from Jesus. Traditional weapons of torture, which were widely used in the past to subdue enemies. But we don't expect Jesus to use them. When James and John wanted to bring down fire on the people of a Samaritan village, who did not want the presence of Jesus and His disciples, He flatly forbids them to do so. And when Peter drew his sword in the garden, Jesus tells him to put it away. Hence, these words are not to be taken literally but metaphorically. Yet they stand for something very real and strong in Jesus. Not only do the terms 'fire' and 'sword' stand for something in Himself, they also stand for something about His message. It causes disruption. It brings division. There is no greater disrupter of  'peace' than the one who preaches justice and truth. In the first reading today, we do have a great example in Prophet Jeremiah.

First Reading: Jeremiah 38: 4 to 6 and 8 to 10

Second Reading: Hebrews 12: 1 to 4

Gospel Reading: Luke 12: 49 to 53

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. A detailed account of the various persecutions and innumerable sufferings faced by Jeremiah is given. He is accused of treason by his bitter enemies. They try to destroy him. They put him in a well deep down covered in mud and water up to his knees. They torture him because he speaks against injustice, evil and many sins committed by the chosen people of God. However, the Lord God protects him from all harm and saves him. 

   *Second reading is from the letter to Hebrews. All who follow Christ are exhorted to persevere in their faith regardless of the cost. They are urged to resist all temptations to sin till the last drop of their blood. They are to model themselves on Christ, their saviour and Master. 

'I came to cast fire on earth.'                                                                         Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Jesus warns His disciples and all of us that following Him is a very challenging and difficult task. It brings division in the life of  believers. So they are asked to declare their loyalties and get their priorities right.  Discipleship brings division within the family and in the community. Jesus speaks about a divided house: Three against two and two against three. There will be divisions between father and son, mother and daughter and so on. When we stand for the values of Christ, family ties may get broken and relationships may get strained. Hence, a true follower of the Lord is a threat: A source of division, a light that shows up in the darkness. Such a person will face opposition from those who want to remain in darkness. Through today's Gospel, Jesus exhorts us that as Christians, we have to stand up against all evil: All that leads us away from genuine love of God and love of our neighbour. Jesus demands such prophetic commitments from everyone of us. In this context, Helder Camara says: "When I give bread to the poor, they call me a saint. But when I ask why the poor have no bread, they call me a communist." Blessed Oscar Romero, the martyred Arch Bishop of El Salvador says: "If they kill all your priests and Bishops, each one of you should become God's microphones, each of you should become a prophet; I do not believe in death without resurrection."

Conclusion: Jesus comes to set people's hearts on fire. He brings the warmth of the Father's love to those who live in the coldness of rejection and pain. He brings the sword of division wherever falsity reigns. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to come out of the shadows and live in the sunshine of His Kingdom. Let us have the courage and the perseverance to do it. 

May the Lord Jesus, who urges us to continue His prophetic mission in the world by standing against all forms of injustice and oppressions, bless you and give you the courage to be His true disciple. 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, August 17, 2025." Thanks.)