Twenty second Sunday of the Year: A: August 30, 2026

               THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

Introduction: Today's liturgy challenges us to say 'no' to the very attractive but one-sided idea of power and glory at all cost. In the first reading, Prophet Jeremiah finds it difficult to accept Lord God's call and preach His Word. He has to suffer much and be punished like a criminal to a shameful death. In the Gospel Jesus speaks about His own suffering and death. He has to endure  pain and humiliation on the cross. Blessed Mother suffered in silence. It was not easy for the many men and women Saints who had gone before us and faced rejection, pain and much sufferings to follow the Lord. Our faith demands us to recognize that the crosses and contradictions in our lives are necessary steps in following our Lord and Master. 

First Reading: Jeremiah 20: 7 to 9

Second Reading: Romans 12: 1 to 2

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16: 21 to 27

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah bitterly complaints about the painful situation that he is facing: Fierce opposition, insults, reproach and derision from the people. He is despised by everyone because he is speaking for the Lord God. Trusting in the power of the Lord God, he begs the Almighty that he be able to continue the mission entrusted to him.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul urges the Christian community at Rome not to be influenced by the worldly ways of people around them. He pleads with them to live their lives as living sacrifices holy and acceptable to the Lord. 

Gaining life and losing life                                                         Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In the first part of the Gospel, Jesus explains to His disciples His imminent rejection at Jerusalem and His death on the cross. This revelation shocks the disciples. Their dreams of having power and glory in His kingdom lay shattered. They do not want to accept such a situation. Consequently, Peter and others protest and try to persuade Jesus: That such an event should never happen to Him. Jesus listening to them, tells Peter: "Get behind me Satan." Jesus tells him not to be a stumbling block to the plan of God. It is indeed surprising that Peter, who was praised by the Lord and was told that he would become the rock on which the Church would be built(Matthew 16:18) turned out to be a stumbling block to the plan of God. What a total turn of events! It is a clear warning for everyone, especially those who exercise authority in the Church and in the community. In the second part of the Gospel, Jesus tells His followers the challenges of being His disciples. To be a disciple would mean that he/she should take up one's cross and follow the Lord in the most difficult and challenging situations in life. He warns us that those who want to save their life will lose it and those who lose their life for His sake will find it. 

Conclusion: In catechism class, a teacher was explaining the stations of the cross. They got to the fourth station where Jesus on the road to Calvary meets His beloved mother. The teacher explained at length that even though the mother and Son could not talk to each other, they spoke through their eyes. She asked the children: 'What do you think they said to each other?' After a brief silence, one child said: "It is unfair." Another said: "Why me?" Finally a little child got up and said" "Keep on going, my Son." Why would a mother encourage her only son on the way to crucifixion? Because the Blessed Mother understood the life and message of Jesus: "No cross, no crown." Jesus said, "What does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?" This is the challenge Jesus puts before us everyday of our lives. It we put ourselves at the centre of our lives, we will fail. But if we put Jesus at the centre of our lives, we will surely succeed. The Lord wants us to be His authentic and genuine disciples. 

May the Lord Jesus, who gave His life for the salvation of the world, bless you and give you the grace to put Him at the centre of your life. Amen.

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Twenty-first Sunday of the Year: A: August 23, 2026

           THE TRUE IDENTITY OF JESUS

Introduction: Today's liturgy invites us to have a deeper understanding of Jesus as our Lord and Master. In the first reading, Prophet Isaiah tells us about the decisive intervention of the Lord God to remove the corrupt official who did not take care of His people. In the second reading St. Paul speaks about the inscrutable mystery of God: The creator and the Lord of all that exists. Pope Francis in his Apostolic exhortation entitled 'Joy of the Gospel' tells us that no doctrinal or theological exposition can replace a personal experience of Jesus. Christian discipleship demands a first hand experience of the divine. In the Gospel Jesus puts this question: "Who do you say that I am?" It can be answered only by our personal experience of Jesus. 

First Reading: Isaiah 22: 19 to 23

Second Reading: Romans 11: 33 to 37

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16: 13 to 20 

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah assures the people of Israel that the Lord God will remove the corrupt official Shebna who does not take care of the chosen people. In his place, the Lord God will appoint Eliakim who will take care of the people of Jerusalem and of Judah. He will rule the people with fairness and justice. Thus the Lord God brings justice to the people of Israel. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul instructs the Christian community in Rome about the inscrutable mystery of God who is the creator and Lord of everything that exists. We humans, with our wisdom and human ways of understanding, are very much limited. We are unable to comprehend or understand the infinite wisdom of God. 

Who do you say that I am?                                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Jesus reveals His true identity to His disciples. Jesus puts two questions to His disciples. The first question is: "Who do men say that I am?" He wants to know what the people of that time think about Him. His disciples answer as follows: "Some say, you are John the Baptist (who was murdered by Herod) has come back to life." Some others say, "You are Prophet Elijah, Prophet Jeremiah or one of the prophets of old who has come back to life." Hence, the perceptions of the people in general are limited to the understanding of Jesus as a prophet or a man of God. Then Jesus puts a second question, a personal one to His disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" It is a very searching question. Peter immediately confesses: "You are the Christ, the Son of God." Jesus praises Peter and tells him that this confession of faith expressed by him is something extraordinary. It is a revelation from the heavenly Father. Further, Jesus confirms the role of Peter in the future Church. He is the rock on which Jesus will build His Church. In this context St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "I see Jesus in every human being." On another occasion she says: "There are so many religions and each one has its different ways of following God. I follow Christ. Jesus is my God." 

Conclusion: Today Jesus puts the same question to each one of us: "Who do you say that I am?" As He converses with us we can recall some of the faith journeys we have had in our lives. Perhaps, the image of Jesus in our early stages in life have undergone tremendous transformation. Perhaps, as the years have gone by, our faith experiences of Jesus have deepened and strengthened. Maybe we can share some of our faith experiences with others as the Apostles did during their lifetime. They faithfully transmitted their faith experiences to the future generations. Jesus is inviting us to do the same in the present times. 

May the Lord Jesus, who invited Peter and other Apostles to express their faith in the Lord, bless you and grant you the grace and the courage to confess your faith in the Lord in these challenging times. Amen. 

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Twentieth Sunday of the Year: A: August 16, 2026

JESUS PROMISES SALVATION TO ALL 

Introduction: Today's liturgy invites us to be open to the ways of God in saving people of various religions, castes, languages and ethnic origins. In the first reading Prophet Isaiah looks beyond the chosen people of God. He affirms that the Lord God's salvation is inclusive of everyone, no matter to what religion or race they belong. All they need is faith in the Lord God. In the Gospel this fact is illustrated when a Canaanite woman (a non-Jew) approaches Jesus and requests Him to heal her daughter possessed by a demon. After initial hesitation, listening to her persistent appeal, Jesus grants her wish and her daughter is healed. 

First Reading: Isaiah 56: 1 and 6 to 7

Second Reading: Romans 11: 13 to 15 and 29 to 32

Gospel Reading: Matthew 15: 21 to 28

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah looks forward to a time when salvation for all nations and races is granted by the Lord God. He affirms that the salvation promised by the Lord God is inclusive of all: It is not limited to one's nationality, race or religious affiliations. It is open to everyone who worships the Lord God with sincerity of heart, no matter where they come from. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul explains to the Christians at Rome that God never takes back His call and His gifts. He affirms that in order to receive the gifts of God and to live His call, we have to accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. We receive the mercy of God by turning away from our sinful ways and by turning to the love of God. 

Jesus heals the daughter of a Canaanite woman                                            Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. A Canaanite woman pleads with Jesus to heal her daughter who is possessed by a demon. At that time, Jews and Canaanites had a hostile relationship. At first, Jesus does not respond to the woman's desperate pleas. The disciples are disturbed and they too plead with Jesus to grand her request. Jesus cites the reason for His inaction. He tells them that His ministry is limited to the Jews. It is not reasonable that the bread of the children is given to the house dogs. He has come to bring back the lost sheep of Israel. However, this woman does not take Jesus' no for an answer. She persists with her request. She humbly accepts her unworthiness and tells Jesus: "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." Hearing her reply, Jesus praises her faith and grants her wish and her daughter is healed. In this context Bishop Desmond Tutu says: "God's dream is that you and I and all of us realise that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness and for compassion." St. Thomas Merton says: "The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings which are part of one another and all involved in one another." 

Conclusion: This miracle story illustrates to us the following: 1. We need to be persistent in our prayers even when our prayers are not immediately answered. 2. No one is to be denied of God's love, mercy and healing touch because he or she does not belong to a particular caste, race or a particular religious tradition. We should never take a negative and fascist way of looking at others. All are God's children, even those whom we consider illiterate, outcast, or worthless. God takes care of each of them. The Canaanite woman in the Gospel is the teacher of servants of God. 

May the Lord Jesus, who healed the daughter of a Canaanite woman and praised her faith, bless you and heal you from all your infirmities and evil inclinations. Amen. 

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Nineteenth Sunday of the Year : A: August 9, 2026

JESUS SAYS: "IT IS I, DO NOT BE AFRAID" 

Introduction: Faith plays an important part in our lives. Today's liturgy speaks to us about the faith of the Prophet Elijah who trusts in the promises of the Lord God even when his enemies are trying to kill him. In the Gospel we have the disciples who are frightened by seeing Jesus walking on the sea. Jesus assures them that it is He. Peter adventurously starts walking on the waters but sinks when he doubts. The question asked by Jesus is: "Man of little faith, why did you doubt?" Jesus asks this question to us when we are distressed, broken-hearted and have lost sight of the Lord in our lives.

 First Reading: 1Kings 19: 9 and 11 to 13

 Second Reading: Romans 9: 1 to 5 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 14: 22 to 33

   *First reading is from the first book of Kings. The most distressing situation of Prophet Elijah is described. Elijah is fleeing for his life because his enemies are trying to kill him. When everything seems  lost, Elijah hears the voice of the Lord God. It comes to him not in a mighty wind or in a powerful earthquake. But it comes to him in the gentle breeze. Prophet Elijah's experience reminds us that the Lord God comes to us in the most unexpected way and at an unexpected time to reassure us. He comes not with powerful and awesome signs but in the silence of our hearts and in gentle whispers. We have to be attentive and listen to Him.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul narrates his sorrows and anguish to the Christian community at Rome. He suffers because his fellow Jews refuse to accept the Lord Jesus as their Lord and Messiah. He expresses his willingness to forgo everything he has for the sake of the Jews who are not willing to become sons of God through the mediation of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus walks on the sea                                                        Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. A detailed account of how Jesus miraculously walks on the sea and comes to the disciples who are on a boat is given. Whole day long, Jesus had been breaking the Word of God to the people and healing many who were sick and possessed by demons. At sunset, His disciples go on a boat to the other side of the sea of Galilee. At daybreak, when it is still dark, Jesus comes to them walking on the sea. The disciples are terrified because they think they are seeing a ghost. Jesus immediately assures them: "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." In the second part of the Gospel, seeing Jesus walk on the sea, Peter expresses his wish to walk on the sea. Jesus grants him the wish. Peter ventures into the sea and begins to walk on the water, focusing on Jesus. However, the moment he takes his gaze away from the Lord, he starts sinking. Jesus rebukes him saying: "Man of little faith, why did you doubt?" In this context St. John Paul II says: "Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you." Nelson Mandela says: "I learned that courage was not absence of fear, but the triumph over it." 

Conclusion: Jesus assures the disciples of His living presence and asks them not to have any fear. The same Jesus gives each one of us His assurance when we are worried and frightened by many seen and unseen ghosts of this world. He says: "Have no fear." Like Peter, many of us have gone through the sinking experience some time or other. In the stormy waters, we have only to keep our gaze fixed on Jesus. When moments of doubts cause us to sink like Peter, we too should call out to the Lord. He will certainly reach out to us. 

May the Lord Jesus, who assured the disciples that 'It is I, do not be afraid,' bless you so that you too may experience His divine protection from all dangers. Amen. 

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Eighteenth Sunday of the Year: A: August 2, 2026

 THE COMPASSIONATE GOD: Jesus feeds the five thousand 

Introduction: Today's liturgy speaks about the kind, generous, loving and compassionate nature of God. In the first reading Prophet Isaiah invites the chosen people for a banquet prepared by the Lord God. St. Paul in his letter to the Romans assures us that when God is on our side, there is nothing to worry about. In the Gospel Jesus feeds more than 5000 hungry people out of compassion. In a real life situation, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta narrates an incident in her life: How generous the poor are and how readily they share their resources. Learning of a poor Hindu family in Calcutta, who had been starving for many days, Mother Teresa visited them and gave a small parcel of rice to the mother of the family. To her surprise, the woman divided the parcel into two equal portions and immediately gave one portion to her Moslem neighbour. When asked by Mother Teresa, why she had done such a sacrifice, the woman replied: "Mother, my family can mange with half of what you brought. My neighbour's family too are starving and they have many children to feed." Multiplication of bread happens in real life when we share our resources with the poor and the needy. 

First Reading: Isaiah 55: 1 to 3

Second Reading: Romans 8: 35 and 37 to 39

Gospel Reading: Matthew 14: 13 to 21

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah gives an invitation to the people of Israel, who are exiles in Babylon, to come to a banquet of the Lord God. The banquet stands for the life of love and friendship extended by the Lord God to His people. He wants to share His blessings with the people of Israel. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul encourages the Christian community in Rome by assuring them that no matter whatever misfortunes happen in their lives, when God the Almighty and All-loving is on our side, we have absolutely no reason to worry about anything. 

The miracle of five loaves and two fish                                                             Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Jesus feeding more than five thousand people with five loaves and two fish is narrated. Jesus has a hectic day preaching all day in a deserted place. People from nearby towns and villages come to listen to His life-giving words. Towards the end of the day, the disciples are anxious to send the crowd away due to lack of food to feed such a big group. Jesus is generous. He tells the disciples that the people need not go away but instead. give them something to eat. The disciples are confused. Reluctantly they bring five loaves and two fish to Him. The people are made to sit down. Jesus blesses the loaves and fish and gives them to the disciples to distribute to them. Everyone eats their fill: More than five thousand people are fed and twelve baskets full of broken pieces are collected. In this context St. Francis of Assisi says: "For it is in giving that we receive." Gauthama Buddha says: "Happiness never decreases by being shared." Mahatma Gandhi asserts: "There is enough food in the world for man's need but not for man's greed." 

Conclusion: Through this miracle, Jesus teaches us to be generous with our resources: our talents, our gifts and our possessions. When we are generous, God blesses our efforts and there is enough for everyone. It also makes us aware that God is compassionate to us in all our needs and we in turn should emulate this compassionate nature in our lives. 

May the Lord Jesus, who multiplied fives loaves and two fish and fed the five thousand, bless you that you, in turn, may be a blessing to others. Amen. 

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Seventeenth Sunday of the Year: A: July 26, 2026

 THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE KINGDOM: Discovery of Faith

Introduction: The theme of today's liturgy is the necessity of having Wisdom in life situations. Having Wisdom means to make the right choice at the right time. Successful people in the world around us make investments and inventions at the right time to reap rich benefits. If this is true of worldly wisdom, it is much more so in the case of heavenly Wisdom. We ought to search for the most precious possessions and when we find it, we should work wholeheartedly to obtain it. Through three parables in today's  Gospel Jesus makes us aware of the necessity of possessing the Kingdom of God. There is nothing more precious than to be part of the Kingdom of God and we are urged to leave everything to possess that precious gift. 

First Reading: 1Kings 3: 5 and 7 to 12

Second Reading: Romans 8: 28 to 30

Gospel Reading: Matthew 13: 44 to 52

   *First reading is from the first book of Kings. A detailed narration about the Wisdom of God is given. The Lord God is very pleased with King Solomon. He is ready to grant the favours that the king is looking for. Solomon humbles himself before the Lord God. He requests the Lord to grant him Wisdom that he may know what is right and wrong. Solomon makes the right choice by asking for discernment from the Lord God so that he is able to rule his people wisely. He rightly realises the relative values of the things of this world. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul gives a comforting message to the Christian community at Rome: All things in life - the painful and difficult ones as well as happy ones - work for good. He encourages us and tells us that God enables us to love Him wholeheartedly. Thus we become God's beloved and He protects us and blesses us in all things in life. 

The parables of the Kingdom                                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Jesus instructs us through three parables about the Kingdom of God. 1. Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a treasure hidden in a field. By chance, a person finds it and he goes and sells all that he has and purchases that field. Hence, possessing the Kingdom of God is of more value than anything we have and we must make every effort to obtain it. 2. Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a merchant in search of precious pearls. After much search, finally he finds one of great value. He sells all that he has and buys that precious pearl. Again, Jesus suggests that the Kingdom of God is the finest and most valuable of all possessions in the world. Hence, we must make every effort to possess it. 3. Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a net cast into the sea. Both good and bad fish are caught in that net. When the net is brought ashore, useful ones are collected into baskets. However, the useless ones are thrown back into the sea. Jesus warns us that it will be so at the end of times. The good and the bad will be separated. The Lord allows everyone to come into His presence but those found unworthy (useless ones) will be thrown out of the Kingdom. In this context D. A. Carson says: "Kingdom of heaven is worth infinitely more than the cost of discipleship and those who know where the treasure lies joyfully abandon everything else to secure it." 

Conclusion: The three parables of the Kingdom graphically explain to us the different ways of discovering faith: By chance, by diligent search, and by careful discernment. Hence, the discovery of faith is a wonderful experience like finding a treasure in a field, searching for precious pearl or even like casting a net into the sea. 

May the Lord Jesus, who instructs us through the parables of the Kingdom, bless you and guide you in your faith journeys. Amen. 

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Sixteenth Sunday of the Year: A: July 19, 2026

  THE PATIENT AND COMPASSIONATE LORD

Introduction: In today's liturgy we meet a patient and compassionate God. The first reading from the book of Wisdom tells us that the Lord God allows good and evil to co-exist in the world. In the second reading St. Paul reminds us that the Spirit of God empowers us in our prayers and strengthens us in our weakness. In the Gospel, through the parable of the wheat and the darnel, Jesus presents a God who is wise and patient, who allows good and evil to co-exist. He is not in a hurry to uproot the weeds lest they damage the good plants. Jesus wants us to be patient and kind to those influenced by evil so that they too may turn to God. 

First Reading: Wisdom 12: 13 and 16 to 19

Second Reading: Romans 8: 26 to 27 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 13: 24 to 43

   *First reading is from the book of Wisdom. The Lord God is the only one who has both knowledge and the power to root out evil as He desires. The Lord God's punishments are not to be seen as weakness. He wants to bring the godless and the evil doers to repentance. We should learn from the Lord God who always judges with great patience. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul tells us that when we pray, sometimes we are unable to express ourselves with appropriate words. He assures us that although we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit helps us and intercedes for us to find the will of God. He instructs us that the Holy Spirit enables us to transcend our human nature. 

The parable of the wheat and the darnel: Co-existence of good and evil in the world                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The parable of the wheat and the darnel (weeds) is narrated in detail. Jesus speaks of a real life situation in the life of a farmer. We are aware of the fact that good and evil co-exist in the world. The question asked by many is: How is that God allows good and evil to co-exist and flourish in the world? Through the parable, Jesus explains to us that it is similar to a field in which the wheat and the darnel (a poisonous weed) grow side by side. Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a farmer who has a difficult problem to deal with. Although he sowed wheat during the sowing season, the field is filled with both wheat and darnel. At the initial stages of growth, both these cannot be easily distinguished. But when the plants grow to a certain stage, they can be identified. The farmer's servants are anxious to weed out the darnel. But the farmer refuses their request. He is concerned that while uprooting the weeds, the wheat plants may get damaged or destroyed. So he allows both of them to grow till the harvest time. At harvest, they will be separated; weeds will be destroyed and wheat will be collected and put into barns. In this context St. Augustine says: "Even in the high seats, there is both wheat and weeds. Let the good tolerate the bad but the bad change themselves and imitate the good." Bishop Wazo of Liege says: "The Church should let dissent grow with orthodoxy until the Lord comes to separate and judge them."

Conclusion: It is a known fact that we too live in a mix of good and evil: The wheat and the darnel, light and darkness, grace and sin. God in His great wisdom and magnanimity is tolerant and patient with us and allows us to grow in the world. If we turn out to be wheat, we will be part of God's loving plan. But if we turn out to be weeds, then violent uprooting and destruction can take place at the end of times. Further, He wants us to learn from Him and be merciful and compassionate to the erring in the society. 

May the Lord Jesus, who through the parable of the wheat and the darnel teaches us to be patient, bless you and give you the grace to be tolerant and patient in all situations of life. Amen. 

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