Third Sunday of Lent: A: March 8, 2026

 JESUS, THE GIVER OF LIFE-GIVING WATER

Introduction: We are in the third week of Lent. Today's liturgy focuses our attention on the 'Life-giving' water given by the Lord and the eternal life. 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 satisfy 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 Samaritan's had a hostile relationship at that time. In their subsequent conversation, Jesus makes her realize that she is thirsting for transitory and worldly pleasure 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 the lent, Jesus wants each of 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 extra-ordinary 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 reach the true life-giving water but rather, 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 fulfilment. 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 come 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 of 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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First Sunday of Lent: A: February 22, 2026

 THE SEASON OF LENT: A TIME OF REPENTANCE AND PENANCE

Introduction: We are in the first week of the holy season of Lent. During the forty days of Lent, we are invited to pray, fast and do acts of charity. We are encouraged to renew and restore three important relationships: With oneself, with God and with our neighbour. In today's liturgy, we are presented with the perils of temptations: Temptations faced by the first parents Adam and Eve and the temptations faced by Jesus before the beginning of His public life. We are given the choice of resisting temptations and overcoming them like Jesus did or fall into the temptations like our first parents and suffer the consequences. Lent is a time of renewal of life and relationships with Jesus our Lord and Master. It is time to let go of those desires and deviations which are enslaving us and to express the joy and the freedom in the Lord. 

First Reading: Genesis 2: 7 to 9 and 3: 1 to 7

Second Reading: Romans 5: 12 to 18

Gospel Reading: Matthew 4: 1 to 11

   *First reading is from the book of Genesis. The Lord God creates humankind out of love. The first parents Adam and Eve are given every facility for their well-being and growth in the garden of Eden. However, they disobey the Lord God and succumb to the temptations of the devil. As a consequence, sin and death enter the world and a rift between the Lord God and humankind begins. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul explains to the Christian community at Rome how sin and death came into the world through the disobedience of one man: Adam. Jesus Christ through His obedience to God the Father frees humankind from sin and death. We receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness through Jesus Christ. 

Jesus defeats Satan's temptations                                                                                  Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In the first part of the Gospel, Jesus' experience in the desert where He spends time in fasting and praying is narrated. In the second part, temptations faced by Jesus in the desert are described in detail. The devil tempts Jesus in three different ways. The first temptation is to turn stones into bread and satisfy His hunger as well as to feed the hungry masses. It is the temptation to be a popular Messiah among the hungry people and get instant name and fame without really doing any work. Jesus firmly says 'No' to the devil and tells the devil, "Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." The second temptation is to perform a spectacular feat so that Jesus will be acclaimed by the people around Him. The devil tells Jesus to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the Jerusalem temple because God will send the angels to protect Him. Jesus firmly says 'No' and tells the devil, "Do not put the Lord your God to test." In the third and final temptation, the devil takes a chance and asks Jesus to worship the devil and obtain all the glory and power in the world. Jesus firmly rejects it and tells the devil: "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him." Jesus overcomes all three temptations of the devil by fasting and prayer. We too face many temptations in our day-to-day lives. Lent is the grace-filled time when all of us are invited to renew our lives through fasting and prayer. All of us need to take a break and go to the 'desert' with Jesus to overcome the powers of evil and our inclinations to sin. In this context Pope Francis said: "Lent comes providentially to reawaken us to shake us from our lethargy." Thomas Keating says, "Lent is a time to renew wherever we are, in that process that I call divine therapy." 

Conclusion: As Jesus underwent various temptations in His earthly life, we too face many temptations in our lives. Every one of us is tempted to seek sinful pleasures, easy wealth, power, authority and to use unjust and sinful ways to achieve worldly goals. If we succumb to such temptations, we will be like our first parents and many others in the past, hiding from God and hiding from one another. In order to overcome the various temptations, we need to do the following: 1. Take Jesus as our model who overcame temptations of the devil through prayer, penance and fasting. 2. Use the sacrament of reconciliation or confession so that we may recognize our sins and failures and be reconciled with God and with one another so that we will not be a target of the devil's deceit. 

May the Lord Jesus, who overcame the temptations of the devil through fasting and prayer in the desert, bless you so that you too can be victorious over the evil powers and various temptations in life. Amen. 

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Sixth Sunday of the year: A: February 15, 2026

 FULFILLING THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD

Introduction: Today's liturgy challenges us to choose freely and wisely and observe the laws and commandments of a loving and caring God. He reveals His laws to His chosen people through His prophet Moses and other prophets of old. Through His Son Jesus, He clarifies and reveals His laws and precepts. These are not merely a set of laws but instructions to teach us holiness and wholeness from our living and loving God. 

First Reading: Sirach 15: 15 to 20

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2: 6 to 10

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 17 to 37

   *First reading is from the book of Sirach. The Lord God is always good to us. He gives us the freedom to choose between good and evil. But the Lord God desires that we should always use our freedom with a sense of responsibility.

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul tells the Christian community at Corinth that salvation through the cross of Christ is God's marvelous plan for the world. He gives us a future vision too: What no eye has seen, nor ear has heard, all that God has prepared for those who love Him. 

The true meaning of the Law: The Letter of the Law and the Spirit of the Law                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Jesus re-interprets the ten commandments given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. Jesus, the new Moses, gives us a new vision and a new understanding of those commandments. Jesus affirms the law in its condemnation of killing. He then goes a step further in condemning the motivation that leads to such a crime: That is anger. He instructs us that reconciliation is far more important than offering sacrifices. The duty of making peace with the offended person is more urgent than the duty of giving worship to God. Jesus affirms the law that adultery is a sin. He then goes deeper by teaching us that a person looking lustfully at another person has already sinned in his/her heart. A person's sinful intentions, thoughts and dubious attitudes are equally sinful as the sin itself. Jesus gives us a distinct teaching on divorce too. The law of Moses permitted a husband to divorce his legally wedded wife. He clarifies it by saying that divorce on any such grounds is unacceptable in the eyes of the Creator, except on the ground of unchastity. The expectations of Jesus from His followers are very demanding and challenging. We have to humbly accept that on our own, we cannot measure up to His standards. But be assured, that with the grace of God, we can certainly measure up to the standards set by Jesus. 

Conclusion: In today's liturgy we listened to the ten commandments and Jesus' re-interpretation of them. We need to understand and appreciate the laws and commandments given by God. These are based on two basic principles: The principle of giving reverence to God and the principle of respecting other humans. In the first four commandments we give reverence to God: Reverence to His holy name, reverence to His holy day and reverence to our father and mother. The next set of commandments instructs us to respect life, one's personal integrity and a person's good name, a person's property and a person's life partner. Our obedience to these laws must be prompted by our love of God and the love of our fellow humans. Finally, to be true followers of the Lord, we need to forgive and forget and move forward with reconciliation in all aspects of our lives. 

May the Lord Jesus, who leads us to have a deeper understanding of the commandments of God, bless you and strengthen you to keep His commandments in letter and spirit. Amen. 

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Fifth Sunday of the Year: A: February 8, 2026

 THE SALT OF THE EARTH AND THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Introduction: In today's Gospel, Jesus challenges us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We are called to be radically committed to the teachings of Jesus by preserving the quality of God's creation. We are asked to be light that bears witness to the eternal 'Light' and spread it in the world around us. 

First Reading: Isaiah 58: 7 to 10 

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2: 1 to 5

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 13 to 16

   *First reading is from the book of prophet Isaiah. Isaiah tells the people of Israel who want to restore the glory of Jerusalem temple, that what God wants from them is not a great temple, but doing justice to the poor and needy. He instructs them to turn their prayers into action and share their riches with the poor. Isaiah assures them that when they show concern for others, especially the poor, then their light will break forth like the sun. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Corinth that when he brought them the message of the Gospel, he did not rely on human wisdom and his own cleverness but on the power of God. He reminds them that for him, living the message of the Lord is more urgent and important than all his eloquence. 

Let your light shine                                                                            Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Jesus instructs His disciples what they are expected to do in the world: To be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. After His discourse on beatitudes - the blessed ones in the kingdom of God - He explains to them how these blessed ones should actually live in the the world. Jesus uses two familiar metaphors to explain His teachings: 1. 'You are the salt of the earth'. Salt has to give saltiness to the earth and taste to the food. So also, disciples should show that they are genuine disciples by their day to day actions of love and compassion to the people around them. 2. Jesus tells them, 'You are the light of the world.' Light is not a private energy. It is not for hiding or hoarding. Light should be placed where it shines for everyone. So also, to be disciples of Jesus is something worth radiating and shining. As disciples of Jesus, we should give the world a taste of the teachings of Christ by preserving the world from decay and losses. So also, when we give hope and consolation to the world around us through our love and acts of charity, then we become the light of the world, no matter what the darkness around us might be. In this context,. Malcom Muggeridge, a famous writer, says the following about St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta: "She showed me love in action. She showed me how the love of one person can start a tidal wave that can spread across the world." 

Conclusion: The metaphor of salt and light challenges us to have a holistic attitude which is brought about by the love of God and love of neighbour as elaborated by Jesus. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world . So we have to become one with the nurturing, preserving the ever-creative power of God. We have to accept, live, communicate and radically bear witness to the 'Light' that shines on us. At our baptism, we received a lit candle and were told: "Receive the light of Christ." That light is not to be hidden but should light up the word around us. Jesus tells us, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father, who is in heaven." 

May the Lord Jesus, who invites us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, bless you and strengthen you so that you can be the salt of the earth and light of the world every day of your life. Amen. 

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Fourth Sunday of the Year: A: February 1, 2026

       THE BLESSED IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Introduction: Today's liturgy speaks to us about the beatitudes: The eightfold blessings that God gives to those who walk in His ways. Jesus tells us who are the really 'Blessed' in the sight of God: The poor, the gentle, those who mourn, the hungry, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peace makers and those who are persecuted. Jesus tells His followers what is expected of them in order to be His disciples. 

First Reading: Zephaniah 2: 3 and 3: 12 to 13

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1: 26 to 31

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 1 to 12

   *First reading is from the book of prophet Zephaniah. Zephaniah appeals to the people of Israel to seek the Lord God with a sincere and humble heart. He promises them that the Lord God favours the humble and punishes the proud. He tells them that those who walk in His ways are few and they are the poor and the lowly in the eyes of the world. However, the Prophet assures them that they are fortunate because hey will enjoy the protection of the Lord God. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul reminds the Christian community at Corinth and all of us that it is through the grace of God that we are what we are today. God does not pick people who are wise and powerful and of noble birth but rather He selects those who are poor, the weak and the lowly. Hence no one can boast in the presence of the Lord. We have to accept that we are totally dependent on God. 

The Blessed in the eyes of the Lord                                                   Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The beatitudes are narrated and explained by Jesus on a mountain. We are presented with the values that Jesus preached and lived and what He expects from His followers. The beatitudes are in fact the sum total of Jesus' preaching during His public life.  He tells us who are the people blessed in the eyes of God: They are the poor, the gentle, those who mourn, the hungry, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peace makers and the persecuted. Those who are called 'Blessed' or 'Happy' by Jesus' standards can hardly be described as fortunate or lucky in the eyes of the world. Jesus is not offering us an unusual programme for happiness. Rather, He is describing what happens to the Christian discipleship when the kingdom of God breaks forth in this broken and fragile world. The beatitudes describe a variety of experiences that the disciples have to undergo as a result of their involvement in living the Gospel values. The result of their involvement can be suffering, persecutions and even death - as happened to the Master Himself, to many saints and believers in the past. Jesus heaps blessings on those who struggle daily to live the truth of the Gospel. Now it is our turn to look at our lives and see how far we measure up to Jesus' standards as opposed to the standards of the world. Be assured that all of us, without exception, are called to be 'BLESSED' in His kingdom. 

Conclusion: The beatitudes may seem like an impossible dream for many. Well, they are a dream, but not an impossible one, for they represent the values of Jesus. He invites each one of us to help Him make the dream come true in our lives. In today's second reading, St. Paul tells us, "God it is who has given you life in Christ Jesus." God has given us Jesus' dream. May all of us work together to make it come true. 

May the Lord Jesus, who openly called the poor and the lowly 'BLESSED' , bless you with His heavenly blessings so that you are counted among the 'Blessed' in His kingdom. 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, February 1, 2026)

Third Sunday of the Year: A: January 25, 2026

            JESUS' CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

Introduction: 'The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light'. St. Matthew describes the impact of Jesus' ministry in the above sentence. The light of Jesus frees us from the slavery of sin and darkness and lights up the road to heaven for us, in the midst of the drudgery of this life. Jesus' light brings healing not wounds; freedom not oppression; life not death. We are invited to become the source of light to others, a lamp for their paths. 

First Reading: Isaiah 9: 1 to 4

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1: 10 to 13 and 17

Gospel Reading: Matthew 4: 12 to 23

   *First reading is from the book of prophet Isaiah. Isaiah foresees the future glory of an oppressed and suppressed people of Israel. Three-fold changes are mentioned: Darkness will be replaced by light; sorrow will be replaced with joy, and oppression will be replaced by freedom. The prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfillment in Jesus the Son of God who comes as the light and liberator of the world. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul speaks about various polarizations taking place in the Christian community at Corinth. He denounces this situation in very strong terms and pleads with them to be united in mind and heart to be healed of their divisions. The Apostle reminds them that all Christians are united in the Lord and hence they should live in unity and peace without giving room for divisions and dissensions. 

I will make you fishers of men                                                                        Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Two vibrant themes are mentioned in the Gospel. In the first part, the inauguration of Jesus' public ministry in a land of gloom and darkness is narrated. Jesus begins His Mission with the simple invitation to 'REPENT'. The repentance demanded by Jesus from His followers implies willingness to sacrifice and make radical changes in their value systems. In the second part, the call of the first disciples is narrated. The setting is the sea of Galilee: In the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. Jesus calls Simon Peter, his brother Andrew and two others: James and his brother John. Walking along the shore, Jesus calls them to leave their fishing nets and to follow Him. There is no hint about where they are going. There are no details or road maps of what discipleship would lead them to. All that is promised by the Lord is that they will be made fishers of men. Immediately, they leave their boats and their nets (the sum total of their possessions) and follow the Lord. We too are called by the Lord to follow Him and to be His witnesses and to be fishers of men and women. We fulfil this mission of Jesus whenever we reach out in love to others. To heal them and to comfort them in their sorrows and downfalls. To be fishers of men and women is not a metaphor. It is a mission from, through and in Christ. Every follower of the Lord is called to continue the mission of Jesus. In this context the great theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "Discipleship is not limited to what you comprehend, it must transcend all comprehensions." Further he adds: "Discipleship is not hero worship but intimacy with Christ." 

Conclusion: As we are reminded of the call of the first disciples, we need to do the following: First of all, we need to appreciate our call to be disciples of Jesus. Everyone of us is called by the Lord. This call is both a privilege and a responsibility. The mission of preaching, teaching and healing which Jesus started in Galilee is now the responsibility of each of us. Secondly we need to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God. Each of us has received the unique call to preach the good news of God's love, mercy, forgiveness and salvation. Let us continue the mission of Jesus in all situations of life. 

May the Lord Jesus, who invited the first disciples to follow Him, bless you with conviction and courage to follow Him every day 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, January 25, 2026)