Sixth Sunday of the Year: A: May 10, 2026

          JESUS PROMISES THE HOLY SPIRIT

Introduction: The sixth and final Sunday of Easter comes with a very encouraging and consoling message. Jesus is going to the Father but He promises His abiding presence with His disciples through the Holy Spirit. He does not leave us depressed and gloomy because with the presence of the Holy Spirit we are in constant touch with Him. The Holy Spirit is the source of all transformations: To understand what Jesus taught us, to be strengthened, comforted, guided and inspired. It is the Holy Spirit who enables us to love and to live the commandments of Jesus. 

First Reading: Acts 8: 5 to 8 and 14 to 17

Second Reading: 1Peter 3: 15 to 18

Gospel Reading: John 14: 15 to 21

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. The mission journey of Apostle Philip to Samaria is narrated. Philip proclaims the Word of God and the Samaritans receive the good news with great joy and enthusiasm. Many signs and wonders are manifested among the believers. Peter and John too go to Samaria and pray for the new converts. The Samaritans receive the Holy Spirit with great fervor. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Peter. Peter urges the Christian community to defend their faith with gentleness and reverence. He exhorts them to suffer for doing right in the eyes of God and not to indulge in any wrongdoings. He gives the great example of Christ Himself who died for the sins of all humankind. They too should be ready and willing to accept all sufferings for the sake of Christ the Lord.

The Father will give you another Counsellor                                                        Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. This is a part of the farewell discourse of Jesus to His disciples before His passion and death on the cross. During the discourse, Jesus explains to them that to love Him is to keep His commandments. The one who loves Him will be loved by the heavenly Father which is the true manifestation of the love of Jesus. Further, Jesus assures them His continued presence among them through the Holy Spirit who makes us experience the love of Jesus in our lives. The Holy Spirit helps us to be true followers of the Lord. Only the Holy Spirit can truly effect transformation in our lives. To live the commandment of love, we need the Holy Spirit in us. Jesus further speaks about the indwelling presence of Himself and the Father in the believer. In this context Pedro Arrupe S.J. says: "Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quiet, absolute and final way."

Conclusion: Today Jesus teaches us the following: To love Jesus is to keep His commandments. Jesus promises to be with us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus assures us that the one who keeps His commandments will experience the indwelling presence of Jesus and the Father. 

May the Lord Jesus, who promises the Holy Spirit to His followers, bless you and grant you the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 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, May 10, 2026. Thanks.)

Fifth Sunday of Easter: A: May 3, 2026

 JESUS IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE

Introduction: Today's readings tell us how the early Christian community accepted the challenges of keeping Jesus' memory alive in the community by making it a serving and worshiping community. It is a spiritual edifice built from the living stones of believers upon the living cornerstone of Jesus Christ. St. Peter reminds us that we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood and a holy nation. In the Gospel, Jesus invites us to have faith in Him and faith in God our Father. 

First Reading: Acts 6: 1 to 7

Second Reading: 1 Peter 2: 4 to 9

Gospel Reading: John 14: 1 to 12

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. The Apostles are busy in preaching the Word of God and spending time in prayer. Hence, they choose and ordain seven devout men to take care of the charitable works of the community. The Apostles share their responsibilities with the other members of the community. Thus they take care of the needs of the growing community of believers in the Lord. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Peter. Peter reminds the Christian community that we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood and a people set apart to sing the praises of God. He invites everyone to come to Jesus the living stone, which was rejected by men but chosen by God. Jesus is the one who is precious in the sight of God. 

He who has seen me has seen the Father                                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. This is a part of the farewell discourse of Jesus before His crucifixion and death on the cross. He explains to His beloved disciples His intimate and close relationship with the heavenly Father. During the discourse, Jesus clarifies some of their fears and doubts and explains the following: 1. The disciples are not to be anxious and troubled because He is going to prepare a place for them in His Father's house. 2. He is the way, the truth and the life. 3. Knowing Jesus is to know the Father. 4. Jesus receives His authority from the Father and the Father dwells in Him. 5. The one who believes in Him will be able to perform greater works than He (Himself does). Hence, Jesus speaks of a very deep and intimate relationship with the heavenly Father. Through our faith in Him, we too can experience the divine intimacy and be empowered by Him. So Jesus is the way that leads to the heavenly Father. He is the truth that sets us free from fears and anxieties in life. He is the one who fills us with gladness and peace. We can always trust in His love and care. 

Conclusion: There is a story about the man who had a dream. He dreamt that he was walking along the seashore with Jesus on his side. Across the sky, the scenes of his past life were flashed. For each scene, he noticed not one but two sets of footprints on the sand. He understood that one pair belonged to him and the other pair belonged to the Lord. But then he noticed a curious and strange thing. At the lowest and saddest times of his life, there was only one set of footprints. This bothered him. So he asked the Lord: "Lord, how come that during the most difficult and painful times in my life, the very times when I needed you most, you left me on my own." Then the Lord replied, "My friend, during your trials and sufferings, when you see only one set of footprints, those footprints are mine. It was then that I carried you on my shoulders." Yes, Jesus gives us the assurance: "Do not let your hearts be troubled, have faith in God and faith in me."

May the Lord Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life lead you to the truth always and to life eternal. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, shar3e and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, May 3, 2026. Thanks.)

Fourth Sunday of Easter: A: April 26, 2026

              JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Introduction: When Pope St. John Paul II died, the most beautiful and meaningful comment on the life and the legacy of the late Holy Father was made by the famous television Evangelist Billy Graham. In a TV interview he said about the late Pope: "He lived like his Master, the Good Shepherd, and he died like his Master, the Good Shepherd." Today we celebrate the Good Shepherd Sunday. In the Gospel Jesus says: "I am the Good Shepherd." Jesus compares His love for His followers to the love of a shepherd for his sheep. He is always there to lead them to green pastures and to protect them from all dangers. 

First Reading: Acts 2: 14 and 36 to 41

Second Reading: 1Peter 2: 20 to 25

Gospel Reading: John 10: 1 to 10

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. St. Peter's testimony on Pentecost is narrated. Peter speaks boldly and convincingly about the crucified and risen Christ who brings salvation to the humankind. He urges everyone to repent and to be baptized in the name of Jesus to receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. After listening to St. Peter, a large group of people - about three thousand  - receive baptism on that day and accept Jesus as their Saviour and Lord. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Peter. Peter exhorts all Christians to be ready to suffer patiently for righteousness and for Christ. He tells us that Jesus our Good Shepherd has given us an example by bearing unjust sufferings with patience for the love of us. 

Jesus is the door of the sheepfold                                                             Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Jesus compares His love for His followers to the love of a shepherd for his flock. He speaks about two types of people who enter the sheepfold. The first type is a person who does not enter through the gate of the sheepfold. He is not a shepherd but a thief who comes to steal and to destroy. The second type is a person who enters through the gate of the sheepfold. He is the shepherd of the sheep. He is the one who knows the sheep by name and takes care of them day and night. He is the Good Shepherd. Jesus further says that He is also the door of the sheepfold. By being the door of the sheepfold, Jesus gives four-fold safety and security to the sheep: 1. Jesus gives safety to His fold by guarding the sheep from harmful influences from outside. 2. Jesus protects His sheep from evil and destructive forces which could harm the flock. 3. Jesus protects them from all worries and anxieties so that they are in peace and harmony. Anyone who enters through the door of the sheepfold enjoys the safety that only Jesus can give. 4. Jesus is the door of the sheepfold that leads to salvation and eternal life. In this context, John 10: 11 says, "The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." 

Conclusion: We should be thankful to Jesus for being our Good Shepherd. We should thank God for giving us many good Shepherds throughout the centuries: St. Peter the first Pope, Pope John Paul II and Pope Leo XIV in modern times, and several other good shepherds to lead us and to guide us. We have the responsibility to be good Shepherds to others who are in need of guidance and assurance: pastors, parents, teachers, doctors, nurses and all others who have this responsibility. May Jesus the Good Shepherd guide them. 

May Jesus, the Good Shepherd, bless you and protect you from all harm and lead you to eternal life. Amen.  

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, April 26, 2026. Thanks.)

Third Sunday of Easter: A: April 19, 2026

 THE ROAD TO EMMAUS: From Despair to Joy

Introduction: Today we have a moving account of the risen Lord appearing and walking with two of His disciples on their way to Emmaus, a village seven Kms. away from Jerusalem. These two lost all their hopes and they are in need of the greatest gift on this side of heaven, that is to be filled with hope and to have faith in the risen Lord. The risen Lord joins them and shows them by opening the Scriptures that it was necessary for Him to die and enter into glory.

First Reading: Acts 2: 14 and 22 to 28

Second Reading: 1 Peter 1: 17 to 21

Gospel Reading: Luke 24: 13 to 35

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. A section of  St. Peter's sermon on Pentecost day is given. Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly proclaims that the crucified and risen Christ is indeed the promised Messiah. He affirms that the risen Lord is the Lord of the whole universe and saviour of the world. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Peter. Peter explains to the early Christian community that Jesus redeemed us by shedding His own blood on the cross. He urges us to have faith and hope in the risen Lord. He encourages us to respond with a life of holiness. 

Recognising the Lord at the Breaking of the bread                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The story of the two disciples who travelled to Emmaus on Easter Sunday evening is narrated. Their lives and dreams are shattered with the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Disheartened as they are, on their way the risen Lord joins them and explains to them why it was necessary for Him to die and enter into glory. Emmaus becomes a place of transformation when the two recognise the Lord at the breaking of the bread. But this recognition could only happen because they open their hearts to the stranger with confidence, love and hospitality with an invitation: "Stay with us." Taking the stranger to their home and sharing their meal with Him become the Eucharistic table. He blesses them and breaks the bread with them and their eyes are opened. When we allow others to have a place in our hearts, the risen Lord becomes real in our lives. We too become like the two disciples who returned from Emmaus with great joy and hope. In this context, M.P. Souza says: "The one who came and walked with them, the one who talked with them and disclosed Himself to them, preparing them to encounter Him as the Risen Lord, is the one who now opens their eyes to see Him in the breaking of the bread."

Conclusion: The Emmaus story is the story of our own lives. The risen Lord walks with us as a stranger when we are in deep pain and distress. He explains to us the meaning of our sufferings through the word of God and encourages us. Finally He reveals Himself to us through the Breaking of the bread: At the Eucharistic table. When Jesus breaks bread with the disciples at Emmaus, He uses the same words that He used at the Last Supper. 

May the risen Lord, who walked with the two disciples on their journey to Emmaus and encouraged them, bless you and lead you to recognise Him at the Breaking of the bread. 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, April 19, 2026. Thanks.) 

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

 THE RISEN LORD MEETS THE DOUBTING THOMAS

Introduction: Today we celebrate the feast of Divine Mercy as well as the Sunday of clearing doubts. Mercy and merciful are words which we speak from 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 believe in the risen Lord. Merciful Jesus reaches out to him, asking 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 people live as a community, 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 the 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 loses 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: "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 is 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 and faith by saying, "My Lord and my God." 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.

May the risen Lord who clarified the doubts of Thomas and blessed him with His divine presence bless you and lead you to a deeper faith in Him. 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, April 12, 2026. Thanks.)

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.

(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, April 5, 2026. Thanks.)

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. 

(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. March 29, 2026. Thanks.)