Thirty First Sunday of the Year: B: Feast of All Saints

"REMEMBERING THE SAINTS"

Fist Reading: Apocalypse 7: 2-4. 9-14
Second Reading: 1 John 3: 1-3
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 1-12

   * Fist reading is from the book of Apocalypse (Revelations). This passage gives a vivid vision of the victorious followers of Christ in the heavenly Kingdom. They are from every nation, race, tribe and language. Hence the universality of salvation through Jesus Christ (the Lamb) in whose blood they were washed clear is pointed out.

   * Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. In this passage, St. John tells us that in heaven, we are going to see God as He is. However, we are asked to be like Christ  here on earth to have this vision of God.

"The Beatitudes"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. This passage gives the discourse of Jesus on the mountain where the "Beatitudes" are described. These are the qualities  that Jesus wishes to see in His disciples. These are the qualities exemplified in the lives of Saints.
In the "Beatitudes" we see the reversal of values in the Kingdom of God opposed to the values of the world. 
1. Blessed are the poor- opposed to the rich who are considered blessed in the world.
2.Blessed are those who mourn - opposed to those who enjoy life in the world.
3. Blessed are the meek - opposed to those who are proud.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst - opposed to those who have their fill in the world.
5. Blessed are the merciful - opposed to those who are cruel and arrogant.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart - opposed to those who manipulate and deceive others .
7. Blessed are the peace makers - opposed to  those who are war mongers.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted and suffer all kinds of evil.- opposed to those who do not face any sufferings and pain and enjoy life at the expense of others.
Saints are people who are blessed by Jesus because they lived lives according to Gospel values. Saints are people with moral and spiritual values whose concern is the need of the neighbour. To be part of the company of saints we must accept the path of Jesus in our life journey and  be blessed in return.

The Feast of Corpus Christi :B

"THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST"

First Reading: Exodus 2:3-8
Second Reading: Hebrews: 9:11-15
Gospel Reading: Mark. 14:12-16,22-26

   *First reading is from the book of Exodus. This passage gives us a description of the Covenant God made with Moses on behalf of the people of Israel. This covenant was sealed with the blood of animals. The covenant  made between God and Moses is a prefiguration of the new covenant that Jesus made and sealed with His own blood on  Calvary. 

   *Second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. In this passage Jesus is portrayed as the High priest who offers His own blood for the redemption and salvation of all humankind. He is the mediator between God and man and He brings eternal inheritance.

"Take This is My Body.. This is My blood"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. In this passage, we have the events of the Last Supper narrated in detail. At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharist and gave His Body as food for us and His blood as a life giving drink for all eternity. Unlike the old covenant which was sealed with the blood of animals, the new covenant is sealed with the blood of Jesus. In the Eucharist, we are sharing in the very life of Christ in totality. Therefore , the feast of Body and Blood of Christ gives us an opportunity to be thankful - for the most precious gift of the Eucharist , the abiding and real presence of Jesus, the Son of God in our midst. The Feast of Corpus Christi should help us in the following ways. 1. By receiving Eucharist, we are becoming part of Jesus , hence our life has to change for the better. 2. This is a day of humble acceptance of God's gift and a challenge for us to live up to the expectations of Jesus present in us. 
"At the time of communion not only we receive Jesus but Jesus also receives us as the member of His body " - Bl. Pope John Paul II

Sixth Sunday of Easter :B

"JESUS' COMMANDMENT OF LOVE"

First Reading: Acts 10: 25-26,34-35,44-48
Second Reading: 1 John 4: 7-10
Gospel Reading: John 15: 9-17

   * Today's first reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. This passage gives us a vivid account of the Baptism of Cornelius - a non Jew and a Roman Centurian - and his family. While Peter was speaking to them about Jesus, Holy Spirit came down on them. This incident explicitly tells us that God is not selective in His love. His salvation is open to people of all nationalities. 

   * Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. This passage contains what is probably the most important statement ever made about God: that God is LOVE in its fullness. The proof of God's love is that He sent His own beloved Son to give us eternal life and make expiation for the sins of the humanity.

"Love One Another As I Have Loved You"
Today's Gospel reading is from St.John. In this passage Jesus expresses His love for His disciples. In return, their love for Him should be expressed by keeping His commandment. Jesus is not speaking of the ten commandments which God gave to Moses. In the Gospels we have certain guidelines for keeping His commandment.
It could mean the following:
1. Do not return evil for evil. Nothing is achieved by revenge and retaliation.
2. Do not judge others. Leave the judgement to God.
3. Do not worry about food and drink and cloths as if these are the most important things in life. Out first concern should be to live as Christ wants us.
4. Do not look back once you have decided to follow Jesus.
5. Let you light shine before people.
6. Love you enemies. Not just your friends and cronies.
7. Give and you will receive in abundance.
8. Forgive every one who sins against you.
9. Take this bread and eat it. Take this cup and drink from it. Eucharist is the primary nourishment to live as followers of Christ.
10. Finally, Love one another as I have loved you.
If we follow these dos and don'ts then probably we will be able to fulfill the commandment of love.
"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. 

The Baptism of the Lord :B

              "THE BELOVED SON"

First Reading : Isaiah: 42: 1-4, 6-7
Second Reading: Acts 10: 34-38
Gospel Reading; Mark 1: 7-11

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. The Prophet speaks of a new and permanent relationship which God will make with all humanity through His servant. Isaiah gives the picture of a true servant of God . He is gentle and humble of heart, who is dedicated to his mission, which is to bring about true liberation to all who are oppressed. This prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled in Jesus.

   * Second reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. The author says that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with Holy Spirit and with power so that he could fulfill the mission entrusted to Him. In this passage we have a description of how the early Church understood baptism . Like Jesus, a baptized person is seen to be anointed with Holy Spirit and with power from above.

"Baptism of Jesus at Jordan"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. It gives details of the Baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan by John the Baptist. With His Baptism , Jesus' true identity is revealed and he is given power for the mission he is about to begin. Jesus was baptized to fulfill God's plan of salvation. Jesus did not have to be baptized to be free from sin unlike any of us because he was never under the power of sin.
When Jesus came out of the water, the heavens were opened and the Spirit of the Lord descended on Him and a voice from heaven proclaimed ,"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased". Hence, Jesus is seen as one in whom the prophecies of the Old Testament are fulfilled. It is a declaration that in Jesus, all the hopes and longings are accomplished. Jesus is the Son of God and the Spirit of God rested on Him. He will begin His ministry with Father's authority and love.
Through baptism, we too are united with Jesus and share in His Mission.
"In baptism, the form of Christ's death is impressed upon his own" Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
"Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith" - W. Nee
"Just as a man cannot live in the flesh unless he is born in the flesh, even so man cannot have the spiritual life of grace unless he is born again spiritually. This regeneration is effected by Baptism."- St. Thomas Aquinas. 

Thirty Second Sunday : A: Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

"YOU ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD"

First Reading: Ezekiel : 47:1-9,12
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3: 9-13,15-17
Gospel Reading: John 2: 13-22

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. The Prophet gives a very elaborate vision of the heavenly Jerusalem temple. The heavenly temple is a symbol of God's presence among His people. Today being the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, we are reminded through this reading of the importance of giving respect and reverence to God and holy places.

   * Second reading is from the first letter of St.Paul to the Corinthians. Paul reminds the Christians in Corinth that they are God's temple and the Spirit of God dwell in each of them. Hence they have be pure and holy. This is also a  reminder to each of us that being  the temple of God, we have to lead a life that is holy and blameless before God.

"Jesus Cleansing the Temple"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The context of this passage is that, Jesus driving out traders from Jerusalem temple . He is deeply pained by the desecration of the temple and it being used for business. He is challenged by his detractors and enemies. He insists that 1. His Father's house cannot be made into a place of trade. 2. He challenges them to destroy the Temple and it will be raised up in three days.
Significance of Jesus' action:
1. Jesus proclaimed that the place of God's presence was not a building but the temple of His body, and hence it is sacred.
2. The full meaning of Jesus's words became clear to disciples only after His resurrection.
3. Places dedicated to God, places of worship and prayer are profaned even today  through different types of trades. As followers of Jesus each one of us are responsible to stand up against all such profaning activities.
4. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are sacred and not to be abused but to be taken care of. 

Thirty first Sunday :A : All Souls' Day

"PRAYING FOR THE DEPARTED SOULS"

First Reading: Isaiah 25: 6-9
Second Reading Revelations 21: 1-7
Gospel Reading : John  6: 37-40

   *First Reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. The Prophet assures the people of Israel of a time when the Lord God will destroy death forever and will wipe away the tears from everyone. There will be gladness and rejoicing when the salvation of the Lord comes.

   * Second reading is from the book of Revelations. St. John in his vision sees the passing away of the first heaven and the first earth and the vision of a new heaven and a new earth. In his vision , he sees the new Jerusalem where there is neither sadness, nor pain nor death. Christ the Alpha and the Omega who has made all things will make everything new.

"Eternal Life Through Faith in Jesus"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. In the Gospel Jesus promises His disciples and us that those who believe in Him will have eternal life. He also promises that those who died in Christ will rise again at the last day.
Today's celebration of All Souls' day is  based on our faith in Jesus and faith in the resurrection of the dead. Today, we pray for all the dead, especially all those who are not in full communion with God, as their sins are here on earth and in need of remission. The physical harm they have done still being present in the world. Today we pray for them and our prayers make sense to the extent , we are able to forgive their failures and shortcomings and we ask God to do the same. All souls day is a day of mercy, of universal mercy, a day of forgiveness. We pray for our departed souls and offer Holy Mass for them. Because we believe that death is not the end, but a way that leads to eternal life promised by Jesus.
This celebration of All Souls day should remind us also of our own death which is inevitable. It must help us to be ever ready to meet the Lord when he calls us out of this world.
"May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace".
"It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins" -2 Mac.12:46

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.