Twenty Nineth Sunday: A: Mission Sunday

     "MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS"

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Second Reading: Romans 10:9-18
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 28:16-20

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. The Prophet speaks in glowing terms of his vision of the restored and glorified city of Jerusalem. He assures the people in exile that all nations will come to Jerusalem and it will be light to all nations. There will be abundance of wealth in the city and the praise of the Lord will be proclaimed.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans. Paul explains to the Christians in Rome that every one who believes and confesses that Jesus is the Lord will be saved. There is no distinction between the Jews and Gentiles with regard to salvation. Hence Paul says, justification is through faith/belief and salvation through confession of that faith. He praises preachers of the good news. Through their  preaching of Christ, others come to know Jesus and have faith in Him.

    "Mission Command of Jesus"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mathew. Jesus after His resurrection met His disciples on a mountain and gave the mission command to them.
1. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations
2. I am with you always to the close of age.
Therefore as commanded by Jesus, the Gospel (good news) is to be proclaimed to everyone. The good news is that the love and foregiveness  of the Heavenly Father is available to everyone without exception. Jesus also assures His continued presence in the World till the end of times.
Based on this Mission Command , the Church celebrates the Mission Sunday every year for the following reasons.
1.To proclaim the Good News to areas where it is yet to be proclaimed
2. To support the efforts of the missionaries working in different parts of the world through prayer and financial support
3. Living as true disciples of Christ by standing for values of Christ: Love, truth and justice for everyone. 
"World Mission Day is a privileged moment when the faithful of various continents engage in prayer and concrete gestures of solidarity to support of the young Churches in mission lands" - Pope Francis
"World Mission Day is also an occasion to rekindle the desire and moral obligation to take joyful part in the mission ad gentes"- Pope Francis.

Twenty Fourth Sunday :A: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

"THE CROSS :A SIGN OF SALVATION"

First Reading: Numbers 21: 4-9
Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel Reading: John. 3:13-17

   *First reading is from the book of Numbers. This passage gives the story  of the chosen people who rebelled against Moses in the desert. God punished them by sending serpents and many died of snake bites. However, when people repented, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and it was kept on a pole. All those who looked at the bronze serpent were healed. The bronze serpent is a pre-figuration the crucified Lord: when we look at the cross with faith, our redemption is assured.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St.Paul to Philippians. Paul tells the Christian community at Philippi and us  that Jesus the Lord of Heaven and earth emptied Himself of His divinity to become one among us. Not only He became human, but He subjected Himself to be crucified . Heavenly Father honoured Him for His self emptying by making Him the Lord of everything in Heaven and on earth. Thus Jesus is victorious by His death on the Cross.
Eternal Life through Jesus'death on the Cross
Today's Gospel reading is from the gospel of John. Jesus speaks  about His own crucifixion and death on the cross in the background of Moses keeping the bronze serpent as a life giving sign (ref. Num. 21:4-9). He assures us that His own death on the cross and resurrection will bring eternal life to the fallen humankind. In the Old Testament story of bronze serpent, the bite of the serpents came to not, once they were confronted straight in the eye- through the symbol of bronze serpent. Jesus as He faced death on the cross, the power of death is taken away. Jesus being crucified and lifted high on the cross, took away the power of death over humankind. Hence this Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is celebrating a saving event in the Salvation history of humankind.
In the second part of the Gospel, Jesus speaks of God's infinite love that made the Son to become a part of  human history to give eternal life to humankind.
"God proved His love on the cross, when Christ hung and bled and died, it was God saying to the world, 'I love you '- Billy Graham
"To endure the cross is not tragedy: it is the suffering which is the fruit of an exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ - Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Eighteenth Sunday of the Year:A

"COMPASSIONATE GOD:JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND"

First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-3
Second Reading: Romans 8:35, 37-39
Gospel Reading: Matthew 14: 13-21

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

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul encourages the people by telling them that no matter whatever misfortunes happens in their lives, when God, the infinite , the all loving, is on our side, we have absolutely no reason to worry about anything. 

"The Miracle of Loves"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand people with five loaves and two fish is narrated . Jesus was preaching all day in a deserted place . People had come from from nearby towns and villages to to listen to His life giving words. The disciples were anxious to send the crowds away because it was getting too late and not enough food was available.  But Jesus was generous. He told the disciples that the people need not go away. Give them something to eat. The disciples reluctantly brought five loaves and two fish. The crowds were made to sit down. Jesus blessed the loaves and fish and gave them to the disciples to distribute them. Everyone ate: which numbered more than 5000 people and later they collected twelve baskets full of broken pieces.
Like Moses in the Old Testament, Jesus the new Moses is in a deserted  place and fed the people. Through this miracle, first of all, Jesus teaches us to be generous with our talents, our gifts, and our possessions. When we are generous, God blesses our efforts and there is enough for every one. Secondly, it also teaches us that God is compassionate to us in all our need and we in turn should emulate this compassionate nature in our lives.
"For it is in giving that we receive" - St. Francis of Assisi.
"There is enough food in the world for man's need but not for man's greed"- Mahatma Gandhi.
"Happiness never decreases by being shared " - Gautham Buddha. 

Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (Apostles): Sunday 13 A

"YOU ARE PETER AND ON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH"

First Reading: Acts. 12:1-11
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4: 6-8,17-18
Gospel Reading: Matthew 16: 13-19

   * First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. It narrates Peter's imprisonment and miraculous freedom by an Angel of the Lord. The early Church faced sever opposition from the powerful Jewish authorities. But God in a special way intervened to save them. In our difficult times too God will certainly come to our aid through His graces.

   * Second reading is from Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy. In this passage, Paul tells Timothy that his life in this world is coming to an end. He looks back with gratitude and thankfulness to God for His support and strength to proclaim the Word of God to the Gentiles. He says that ' I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race". St. Paul's life should encourage us to lead a life worthy of our call.

"Peter the Rock"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The context is that Jesus asks His disciples: what do the people say about Him ? The disciples express different opinions. Some say John the Baptist who was beheaded by Herod has come back to life. Another opinion was that Elijah one of great prophets of Old Testament, who could bring down fire from heaven, has come back to life. A third opinion was that, Jeremiah, the who was known as suffering servant of God, has come back to life. Yet another opinion was that one of prophets of old has come back to life. The true identity of Jesus is not revealed in any of the above answers. Finally, Jesus puts a person question to His disciples. Who do you say that I am? Immediately, Simon Peter spoke up and confessed that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Immediately, Jesus compliments him and said, this revelation is not of human origin but of divine origin, that the Heavenly Father reveled it. Further Jesus told Peter, that His Church will be built on the foundation of Peter the rock and powers of death will not prevail against it.
Hence, Jesus indicates Peter's role in the founding of the Church, that he is the element of solidity and cohesion in the Church. He is given the power to absolve or to condemn. St. Peter thus guarantees the faith and preserves the unity of the Church.
" Ubi Petrus, ibi ergo ecclesia: Where Peter is, there, accordingly is the Church" - St. Jerome 
"Jesus Christ and St. Paul possess the order of charity, not of the mind, for they wished  to humble not to teach" - Blaise Pascal

Fourth Sunday :A (The Presentation of the Lord)

    "THE LIGHT OF THE NATIONS"

First Reading : Mal. 3: 1-4
Second Reading: Heb. 2: 14-18
Gospel Reading : Lk. 2: 22-40

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Malachi. The Prophet speaks of a day when suddenly the saviour of the world will come to His temple. He is coming to live among His people and purify their hearts and make them dear to God. This prophecy of Malachi finds its fulfillment when Jesus was presented by His parents at  Jerusalem temple.

   * Second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. The author speaks of Jesus' assuming human nature in order to make us free for God and for one another.

        "My Eyes have Seen Your Salvation"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The Gospel gives a detailed account of what happened in Jerusalem temple when Jesus was presented.
1. First part of the Gospel tells us that Jesus was presented in the Jerusalem temple according to the law of Moses. Parents of Jesus brought Him to Jerusalem temple in humble obedience to the Mosaic law; in order to submit to the ritual purification and to present and to redeem the first born by sacrificing two turtile doves
2. Second part of today's Gospel tells us about the prophetic scene; when the venerable old Simeon took the child into his arms, praised and thanked God and declared that this the light which shall give revelation to the gentiles. (This idea finds its echo in today's liturgy of blessing of candles)
Then prophetess Anna too came there and gave thanks to God and spoke of the child as one who will bring redemption of Jerusalem.
This feast of Presentation of the Lord  should help us to recoginize God when He appears in humility and simplicity as recognized by Simeon and Anna.

"Behind the idea of presenting a child is the conviction that every new life comes from God and is in some sense belongs to God" - Kieran J. O'Mahony

Thirtyfourth Sunday of the Year :C. Feast of Christ the King

                    "THE UNIVERSAL KING"

First Reading: 2 Sam. 5: 1-3
Second Reading: Col. 1: 12-30
Gospel Reading; Luke 23: 35-43

   * First reading is from the Second book of Samuel. It gives us a narration about King David. He was already anointed King of Judah, Now the northern tribes too acknowledged him as their King. Thus David became the King of whole Israel. David's Kingship pre- figures the universal Kingship of Christ.

   * Second Reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. Paul gives thanks to God for having delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of His Son. Christ is the images of the invisible God, the head of the Church and the Lord of all creation.

                     "Jesus the King"
Gospel reading is from St. Luke. In the Gospel, we read how the inscription over the cross "King of the Jews" proclaims the true identity of Jesus. Jesus is both Messiah and King. Even as he died on the cross, he was giving consolation and forgiveness to all those around. There were many people ; soldiers , pharisees and all kinds of people mocking and challenging him saying "If you are the King of Jews, save yourself". He asked forgiveness for them  from the Father. "Father, they do not know what they are doing "
When the thief on the right pleaded, "Jesus, remember me, when  you are in your kingdom" , Jesus immediately assured him, "Today , you will be with me in paradise ". As he was dying on the cross, he called his mother and beloved disciple and entrusted his mother to the disciple. Hence , His last gift to us was His mother to be the our mother.
Christ's Kingdom is a very special Kingdom. He has come not to conquer but to love. He has come not to rule , but to serve. He has come not to have possessions but to give them away (even His mother). He is the King of our hearts.

"Hungry for love, He looks at you, Thirsty for kindness, He begs you,
Naked for loyalty, He hopes in you, Homeless for shelter in your heart, He asks you.
Will you be that one to Him?" - Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
"Rome is gone, Napoleon is gone, Hitler is gone, but the Kingdom of Jesus marches on " - D. Guzik. 

Thirtyfirst Sunday of the Year:C

                    SALVATION FOR ALL
First Reading: Wis. 11:22-12:2
Second Reading: 2 Thess. 1: 11-2:2
Gospel Reading: Luke. 19:1-10

   *First reading is from the book of Wisdom. It expresses the greatness of God towards the creation. It was out of love that God created the world. Therefore he does not desire the destruction or the death of humankind. He is always ready to pardon the sins of those who repent and return to God.

   *Second reading is from the Second letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians. Paul urges the Thessalonians to be worthy of their call and assures them that God will help them to be true to it. Paul recalls to them that their salvation would be glory both for them and for Jesus Christ. At the same time, he asks them not to be too anxious about the second coming of Christ.

Jesus and Zacchaeus 
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. We have a graphic account of Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus the chief taxcollector. That day in Jericho, there were large crowds. On enquiry Zacchaeus found that Jesus the miracle worker was passing by. He just wanted to see Jesus. Since he was a short man, he climbed a sycamore tree and sat on one of its branches. Jesus along with his disciples came that way.
Then the most amazing thing happened in the life of this little rich man. Jesus looked up and said "Zacchaeus, come down, for I must stay at your house today"
Zacchaeus was certainly thrilled. So he came down from the tree and took Jesus to his house Till now Zacchaeus wanted only money and more of it. But that day changed him. He knew that riches he amassed were done dishonestly. So he gave half of what he owned to the poor and declared that he would repay in four fold anyone he cheated. Jesus' presence changed this man. No wonder Jesus said "today, salvation has come to this house". Today Jesus is passing by and inviting us also to come down from the tree (we sit). Let nothing stand  between us and Jesus.
"The first step in a person's salvation is knowledge of his sin" - L.A. Seneca
"Human salvation demands the divine disclosure of truths surpassing reason " - Thomas Aquinas