Second Sunday of Easter: Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12, 2026

 THE RISEN LORD MEETS THE UNBELIEVING THOMAS

Introduction: Today we celebrate the feast of Divine Mercy as well as the Sunday of clearing doubts. Mercy and merciful are words which speak to the heart and rightly so because we all need from time to time the experience of mercy and compassion not only from our neighbour but from the all merciful God. We see something of that mercy shown by Jesus in today's Gospel. Apostle Thomas is unable to come to faith in the risen Lord. Merciful Jesus reaches out to him to touch Him. The celebration of Divine Mercy reminds us that outside the mercy of God, there is no other source of hope for humans. Everyday as we walk the difficult paths of life, let us too whisper as Thomas did that day: "My Lord and my God."

First Reading: Acts 2: 42 to 47

Second Reading: 1Peter 1: 3 to 9

Gospel Reading: John 20: 19 to 31

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. A glimpse of the life of the early Christian community is given. After their experience of the risen Lord in a powerful way, the community live like people one in heart and mind. Their exemplary life brings many non-believers to faith in Jesus. Their faith in the Lord leads them to a joyful fellowship. Hence the first Christian community expresses the depth of their faith by fruits of fellowship and love. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Peter. Peter praises and glorifies the loving God for His great mercy in giving us a new birth in Jesus Christ. He thanks God for the blessings of faith, love and joy in the Lord. He instructs us: "Hope helps us to bear patiently the trials of this life."

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The risen Lord's meeting with the unbelieving Thomas is narrated. Thomas, one of the twelve, was with Jesus during His public life. He witnesses the rejection of Jesus, His sufferings, crucifixion and shameful death on the cross. Like many others, Thomas too looses hope after the death of Jesus and goes away disheartened. But to his surprise, when he comes back on Easter Sunday, other disciples tell him about the exciting events of that morning. They tell him that Jesus appeared to Peter and others. In his disappointment and confusion, Thomas tells them that: "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails and place my hands in His side, I will not believe." That same evening Jesus appears again to His disciples and Thomas too was present at that time. The risen Lord confronts Thomas for his unbelief. Jesus shows His hands and legs and His wounded side and tells Thomas to be believing. Realizing his folly, Thomas expresses his regret by saying, "My Lord and my God." and expresses his faith. In this context G. A. Tyrell says, " It may be that Thomas' critical mind compelled Jesus to explain the teachings more deeply to him than to the other credulous disciples."

Conclusion: The story of Thomas is for all those people who were not present when the risen Lord appeared - that includes all of us - on Easter Sunday and did not see the Lord physically. Hence, Thomas became a key link between the age of the Apostles who saw the risen Lord with their own eyes and all the future disciples who will never see Jesus in this life and yet believe in Him.

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Easter Sunday : A: April 5, 2026

            CHRIST IS RISEN! ALLELUIA!

Introduction: Today we celebrate the feast of Easter: The resurrection of the Lord Jesus from the dead. It is the greatest and the most important of all the feasts for a believer for three reasons: 1. The resurrection of Jesus is the basis of our Christian faith. It is the greatest miracle. No one in the past, present or in the future can do what Jesus did on Easter Sunday. 2. Jesus' resurrection is the guarantee of our own resurrection after our earthly life. 3. Easter gives us hope and encouragement in this world of pain, sufferings and sorrows. The problems we face, the death we encounter finally, are not the end but we will live forever with the risen Lord. We need faith in the power of the risen Lord to overcome death and experience the resurrection. 

First Reading: Acts 10: 34 and 37 to 43

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 1 to 4

Gospel Reading: John 20: 1 to 9

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. A very powerful and convincing testimony by St. Peter regarding the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is given. He tells us that he is a witness to the life, death and finally resurrection of Jesus. He affirms that the risen Lord is the saviour of those who believe in Him. He is the judge of the living and of the dead. Everyone who believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. Paul tells us that through our baptism we share in the risen life of Christ through a hidden and mysterious way. As members of the body of Christ, we share in the victory of Christ and become a new creation in Him. 

The empty tomb: The sign of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead                                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. How the disciples experience the presence of the risen Lord is elaborated. Gradually, the disciples come to the realization that Jesus who was crucified and died on Good Friday, is indeed risen from the dead. Early on Sunday morning, after the tragic and painful events on Friday, Mary Magdalene goes to visit the tomb of Jesus. It is still  dark and she is surprised and shocked to see that the stone which had covered the tomb is rolled away and the body of Jesus is not to be found. She is totally confused and runs to St. Peter and other disciples to tell them about the strange happenings. Immediately, Peter and John ran to the tomb only to find that the tomb is indeed empty and the body of Jesus cannot be located. Thus finding the empty tomb is the first sign that Jesus is risen from the dead. At first the disciples and others could not really believe that Jesus is indeed risen from the dead as He had told them. But gradually, they experience the presence of the risen Lord at various occasions. They come to the firm conviction that Jesus is indeed risen from the dead. The risen Lord later appears to several disciples individually and collectively and strengthens them in His risen and transformed form. To experience the presence of the risen Lord in our lives, we too need to go through the empty tomb experience. We need to empty ourselves of our pre-conceived ideas and thoughts: All that hold us away from the risen Lord. Then we too can break the barriers of doubts and experience the Lord. In this context Pope Benedict XVI says, "The resurrection, then is not a theory but a historical reality revealed by the man Jesus Christ by means of his 'Passover'- his 'passage' that has opened a 'new way' between heaven and earth. 

Conclusion: St. Nikolai comments, "By His resurrection Christ conquered sin and death, destroyed Satan's dark Kingdom, freed the enslaved human race and broke the seal on the greatest mysteries of God and men."

May the Risen Lord bless you abundantly and strengthen you to overcome all doubts, pains and losses of death. Amen.

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Palm Sunday: A: March 29, 2026

 JESUS' TRIUMPHANT ENTRY TO JERUSALEM

Introduction: Today we commemorate the Lord's triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem. He comes to fulfill God's plan of salvation, culminating in the suffering and death on the cross. In the first part of today's liturgy, we have the Gospel reading from St. Matthew. Jesus goes to the city not as a conquering king but as a gentle and humble bearer of the good news. He travels on a donkey symbolizing the simplicity of His mission. People of the city welcome Him enthusiastically and joyfully singing: 'Hosanna to the Son of God.'

Gospel for procession: Matthew 21: 1 to 11

First Reading: Isaiah 50: 4 to 7

Second Reading: Philippians 2: 6 to 11

Gospel Reading: Matthew 26: 14 to 27: 66

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah narrates his own sufferings. In spite of his numerous sufferings, he is sustained by the firm belief that the Lord God will not abandon him. Sufferings of Isaiah are a pre-figuration of the sufferings of Jesus the Messiah. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul says that although Jesus is God, He takes on Himself human condition and accepts death on the cross. So God the Father raises Him up and makes Him the Lord of heaven and earth. 

The passion and sufferings of Jesus our Saviour and Lord                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. A detailed account of the passion and sufferings of the Lord Jesus is given. How the prophecies of the Scriptures are fulfilled in Jesus is emphasized. It is amazing to observe that perfectly religious and sane people are capable of siding with the evil or doing the evil things in certain situations. This is very much evident from the happenings on Good Friday when the people who are apparently righteous put Jesus to death or collude with the people who do the heinous crime. We meet the following people in the Gospel: 1. The Pharisees: These are austere and religious men who have good knowledge of the law. Their assurance of righteousness leads them to evil. 2. Caiaphas: A man who upholds religious orthodoxy and does not want anyone to oppose it. 3. Pilate: He fully knows that Jesus is innocent. Yet he condemns Him because he is afraid of the Jewish authorities. 4. Judas: A deeply disappointed and disillusioned man. He thinks it is not wrong to betray His master. 5. Peter: A weak and cowardly man. He is ready to disown his master to protect himself. In this context Pope Benedict XIV says, "Palm Sunday tells us that it is the Cross that is the true tree of life."

Conclusion: Holy week is the time to look at ourselves and find out where we stand in this drama of the Passion of the Lord. It is always easy to condemn others and throw stones at Judas, Peter, Caiaphas, Pilate and Pharisees. 

May the Lord Jesus, who triumphantly went to Jerusalem to face rejection and death, bless you and strengthen you in times of rejection and sufferings in your life. Amen. 

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Fifth Sunday of Lent: A: March 22, 2026

 TRANSFORMATION FROM DEATH TO LIFE

Introduction: The central theme of today's liturgy is the resurrection of the dead. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead and brings him back to life. This miracle is the seventh and the most spectacular of the signs performed by Jesus which includes: The wedding feast at Cana of Galilee, the Samaritan woman at the well, the healing of the royal official's son, the miracle of five loaves, walking on water, healing of the blind man and finally raising of Lazarus from the dead. 

First Reading: Ezekiel 37: 12 to 14

Second Reading: Romans 8: 8 to 11

Gospel Reading: John 11: 1 to 45

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel assures the people of Israel who are under the slavery of Babylon that the Lord God will liberate them from their slavery and misery. He compares their captivity to death and their liberation to resurrection and spiritual renewal. He promises them that they will know and experience the Lord God as their Lord and Saviour. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul warns the Christian community of Rome that those who live according to the flesh live in accordance with their natural inclinations. But we, as followers of the Lord, live by the Holy Spirit and hence belong to Christ. Paul assures us that it was the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. The same Spirit of God will give life to our mortal bodies. 

I am the resurrection and the life                                                                  Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. A vivid account of the death of Lazarus and subsequent events is narrated. The death of Lazarus leaves a large absence in the lives of those who loved him. By the time Jesus arrives at Bethany, Lazarus was truly dead and buried for many days. Martha voices her regret that if Jesus had come early, things would have been different. But Jesus' absence is very essential to the whole story. Jesus explains that through the death of Lazarus, "The Son of Man will be glorified." Death of Lazarus and subsequent raising him from the dead show that Jesus is the Life-giver. The name Lazarus means helpless. He is dead, lifeless in the tomb with a stone in front and the smell of decay inside. This is the state of Lazarus before being raised to life. When Martha tells Jesus that she knows her brother will rise again at the resurrection, Jesus assures her, "I am the resurrection and the life." Lazarus stands for all of us - helpless, frustrated, bound up, decaying, blind, deaf, full of worms and totally dead. Seeing the miserable situation of His friend Lazarus, Jesus told, "Roll that stone away," and called out "Lazarus come out." The dead man came out and started to live again. Jesus wants each one of us to do the same, to come out of our tombs and live again. When Jesus becomes the mainstay of our lives, we can experience resurrection here and now. Jesus is the Lord of life. If we believe in Him, death is something that only affects our physical bodies. We will still live even after our physical lives are over. In this context F.W. Roberts says, "He alone can believe in immortality who feels the resurrection in him already." A. Schopenhauer, a great philosopher, says, "Every parting gives a foretaste of death, every coming together again a foretaste of the resurrection." 

Conclusion: Jesus' raising Lazarus from the dead reassures us that death is not the end. It should help us overcome our pains and frustrations just like Martha and Mary when Lazarus died and was buried but later brought back to life by Jesus that day. Jesus wept at the tomb of His friend Lazarus. We too face this great mystery of death of our own and that of those whom we love. We need faith in the Lord to overcome death and experience the resurrection. 

May the Lord Jesus, who raised Lazarus from the dead and promised that 'I am the resurrection and the life', bless you and grant you life eternal. Amen. 

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Fourth Sunday of Lent: A: March 15, 2026

    GAINING VISION AND LOSING SIGHT

Introduction: The Gospel today narrates how Jesus healed a man born blind.  We all suffer from different forms of blindness. All of us have some blind spots. But Jesus gives us hope to be healed of our blindness if we are ready to admit our lack of sight. 

First Reading: 1 Samuel 16: 1,  6 to 7 and 10 to 13

Second Reading: Ephesians 5: 8 to 14

Gospel Reading: John 9: 1 to 41

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Samuel. The Lord God asks prophet Samuel to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be the King of Israel. David, the youngest of the sons of Jesse is chosen although he seems to be the weakest of them all. The Lord God chooses the weak, makes them strong and works through them to manifest His power and glory. When we humans look at the external appearances of a person, the Lord God looks at the heart of a person and makes His choice. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul reminds the Christian community at Ephesus that although once they were in darkness, now they are in the light of the Lord. Hence, as children of light, they should bear fruits of the light and they should not take part in the unfruitful works of darkness. 

Jesus heals a man born blind                                                                     Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The healing of a man born blind is described. This man approaches many physicians and healers to be healed of his blindness. But none of them could heal him. Finally, he approaches Jesus to heal him. Jesus listens to him, makes a paste and applies to his eyes and asks the blind man to wash his eyes in the the pool of Siloam. The man does as instructed by the Lord and eventually he regains his sight. As the story unfolds, the blind man receives physical vision followed by a deeper vision of Jesus. When questioned by Pharisees regarding his gaining sight, the man explains to them the healing process. Gradually, his own vision of Jesus becomes more and more vivid. At first he says, 'A man called Jesus healed me." When further questioned he says, "He is a prophet." When they try to intimidate him, he says, "Unless this man comes from God, he would not be able to do such a miracle." When Jesus meets him later and asks, 'Do you believe in the Son of Man?' He declares, "Lord, I believe" and kneels before Him and worships Him. The man born blind undergoes a radical transformation after experiencing the healing touch of Jesus. Whereas the Pharisees, although they have physical vision, becomes more and more blind and lose their true vision. In this context St. Gregory of Palamas says, "While light is being given to this man (the man born blind) by the Light of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Pharisees show their own blindness and darkness in which they live by attacking this miracle. 

Conclusion: The story of the blind beggar has deep significance in our lives too. It symbolizes our faith journey: Our own personal story. We too like the man born blind are brought to faith. At first we see the Lord merely as a man called Jesus. Then we realize that He is a prophet. Then the realization comes that He has come from God. Finally we too need to recognize that He is the Saviour of our lives, the Son of God. 

May the Lord Jesus, who opened the eyes of the man born blind, bless you and open your eyes too to see the divine and experience His presence. Amen. 

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Third Sunday of Lent: A: March 8, 2026

 JESUS OFFERS LIFE-GIVING WATER

Introduction: We are in the third week of Lent. Today's liturgy focuses our attention on eternal life and the 'life-giving' water given by the Lord. First reading is from the book of Exodus. Israelites become agitated over the shortage of water during their long journey to the promised land. They speak against Moses and the Lord God. Hearing their cry, the Lord God commands Moses to strike a rock. On doing so, water gushes forth and they quench their thirst. The Lord God shows great mercy and kindness for the well-being of the people in spite of their rebellion. In the Gospel today, we have an unexpected scene: Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at the Jacob's well and asks for water from her. She is confused and surprised by Jesus' request because Jews and Samaritans had a hostile relationship at that time. In their subsequent conversation, Jesus makes her realize that she is thirsting for transitory and worldly pleasures which are not going to satisfy her thirst. He promises her another type of water: The water that becomes a fountain from within so that a person experiences eternal life. During Lent Jesus wants each one of us to leave aside our transitory thirst and drink the water which gives eternal life. 

First Reading: Exodus 17: 3 to 7

Second Reading: Romans 5: 1 to 2 and 5 to 8

Gospel Reading: John 4: 5 to 42

   *First reading is from the book of Exodus. The journey of the chosen people of God from Egypt to the promised land is narrated. The journey is very tiring and tedious. On their way, they become agitated and angry with Moses because they have no water to drink for themselves and their cattle. They openly revolt and speak against Moses and the Lord God who brought them out of the slavery of Egypt. Seeing their desperation, the Lord God commands Moses to strike a rock with his walking stick. Moses does as told and immediately, water gushes out of the rock. All of them drink their fill of water. The Lord God shows His care and concern for the needs of His chosen people in spite of their ungrateful and rebellious behaviour. 

   *Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to the Romans. Paul explains to the Christian community at Rome that God has proved His extraordinary love for us by the fact that Christ died for us while we are still sinners. God's love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. So God's grace as flowing water is poured down upon each one of us. 

Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the Jacob's well                                          Today's Gospel is from St. John. Jesus' meeting with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well is described in detail. In a most dramatic move, Jesus meets the woman and asks for some water to drink. The Samaritans and the Jews had a hostile relationship at that time. Jesus a Jew asking for water from a Samaritan woman is rather unusual. Yet, the woman after some initial hesitation gives water to Him. Jesus' encounter with the woman gradually changes her attitude to life situations. She shares with Him her sad story: Her confused and sinful past life. Gradually and gently, Jesus makes her realize what she has been running away from. Till now, she is addicted to transitory and worldly pleasures. Jesus tells her about another kind of water that becomes a fountain from within us leading to eternal life. Similarly, Jesus comes into our lives like a weary, thirsty traveller asking for some water. He makes in-roads into our lives as one who is helpless and who stands in need of us. What Jesus wants from us is more than water. He thirsts for our hearts. Like the Samaritan woman who brought many to Jesus,  we too ought to go to the surroundings and bring many to the promises of the Lord. In this context St. Gregory Palomas says, "The account of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well proves unexpectedly daily occurrences bring about lasting changes in life when Christ is the center of the experience." St. John Chrysostom says, "She ( the Samaritan woman) exhibited the actions of an Apostle, preaching the Gospel to all and calling them to Jesus and drawing a whole city forth to Him."

Conclusion: Without exception, all of us are looking for happiness and meaning in life. Often we are not able to reach the true life-giving water but rather, are happy with stagnant water. We go to the fountain of drinks, drugs, sex, material possessions and power to control others. We dream of five husbands (Samaritan woman in the Gospel) or five wives, five houses, five cars or five of whatever will satisfy our thirst for fulfillment. Unfortunately, none of these can satisfy us. True happiness can be ours only when we meet the Lord and experience His loving presence: The freedom that comes from following Him or the joy that comes from serving the least of His brothers and sisters. When we drink from the life-giving water that Jesus gives-the water of His Word in the Bible, the water of His Spirit in the sacraments, the water of His presence in prayer-we will never be thirsty. That day, the Samaritan woman went about bringing everyone in the city to Jesus. It is our turn to do the same. 

May the Lord Jesus, who liberated the Samaritan woman and blessed her by providing her life-giving water, bless you and grant you His Holy Spirit. Amen. 

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Second Sunday of Lent: A: March 1, 2026

 THE GLORIOUS TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS

Introduction: We are in the second week of Lent. Today's liturgy brings to our attention the transformation in the life of two biblical figures. In the first reading the transformation in the life of Abraham is in focus. The Lord God brings about a great transformation in Abraham: From a non-believer to one who believes in the one true God. The Lord God makes a covenant with Abraham and rewards him for his obedience. In the Gospel we have the beautiful details about the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor. During this heavenly experience, God the Father proclaims Jesus as His beloved Son. We too are invited to experience this transformation in our lives and be called sons and daughters of the Father. 

First Reading: Genesis 12: 1 to 4

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1: 8 to 10

Gospel Reading: Matthew 17: 1 to 9

   *First reading is from the book of Genesis. The life of Abraham, the Father of Faith, is described. A very dramatic and personal event happens in the life of Abraham. The Lord God asks Abraham to leave his familiar world: His father's house, his clan, his country as well and go to a distant and unfamiliar land. All through his tiring journey, Abraham is convinced that the promises of the Lord God will find its fulfilment. In spite of many hardships and challenges, he totally trusts in the Lord God. He earnestly believes that the Lord God will make him a great nation and that He will bless him and he in turn will be a blessing to others. By his trust in the Lord God, Abraham becomes a blessing to many.

   *Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy and asks him not to be ashamed of testifying to the Lord Jesus. He instructs Timothy/us to share the holiness and the glory of Jesus. That enables us to face sufferings and hardships, which faithfulness to the Gospel brings. 

The Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus on Mount Tabor                                             Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. A graphic description about the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor is given. Jesus with three of His beloved disciples climbs the mountain and on the top of the mountain, He is transfigured. He is covered with the heavenly glory. The disciples are awe-struck and overwhelmed by this glorious heavenly experience. The presence of Moses and Elijah, two towering figures of Old Testament at the transfiguration scene, is a sign that Jesus is the fulfilment of all that has been foretold by the Prophets of old. Jesus' momentary change of bodily appearance and the voice from heaven: 'This is my beloved Son, listen to Him', confirms that Jesus is truly the chosen one, the Son of God. The transfiguration event is both comforting and challenging to us. It is comforting because we know that our Lord and Saviour Jesus is truly the Son of God and beloved of the Father. It is challenging because the Father invites us to follow the teachings of His Son and be witnesses to Him in our lives. If we faithfully follow Him, one day, we too will experience His heavenly glory. In this context, St. Thomas Aquinas, the great theologian says: "At His transfiguration Christ showed His disciples the splendour of His beauty, to which He will shape and colour those who are His."

Conclusion: In our earthly life, very often, we catch a glimpse of the 'something more' that God has in store for us. These fleeting experiences are moments to be treasured. The morning dew, the beautiful butterflies we see in the garden, chirping of birds, the beautiful rainbow on a rainy day, the smile of a little child are part of such God-experiences to be cherished in our lives. Such experiences can help us to approach the transfiguration. Like all transcendent experiences, it is fleeting and yet it etches a memory and leaves a longing. We cannot be always on the mountain top and yet what happens on the heights can help us on the rocky terrain down below. Our memory of transfiguration experience transmitted to us through the disciples should empower us to carry our crosses and follow the Lord. We can move along in confidence because the Lord says to us as He told His disciples: "Get up, do not be afraid, let us go to Jerusalem together."

May the Lord Jesus, who was transfigured on Mount Tabor and blessed His beloved disciples, bless you and lead you to that transfiguration experience which the disciples experienced. Amen.

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