The Feast of Corpus Christi:: B : June 3, 2018

"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 detailed 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 was a pre-figuration 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 redemption.

"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 the 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 the Son of God. In the Eucharist we are sharing in the very life of Christ in totality. Therefore, the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ gives us an opportunity to be thankful for the most precious gift of the Eucharist and 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 challenges us to live up to the expectations of Jesus who is abiding in us.
"At the time of communion not only we receive Jesus but Jesus also receives us as the member of His body" - St. Pope John Paul II

Feast of the Most Holy Trinity : B ; May 27,2018

THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT:TRINITY

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4: 32-34, 39-40
Second Reading : Romans 8: 14-27
Gospel Reading: Matthew 28: 16-20

   * First reading is from the book of Deuteronomy. In this passage, Moses reminds the people of Israel of the great and wonderful things the Lord God has done in their lives. God has protected them with a mighty hand. Hence it is absolutely important to follow the commandments of the Lord God in order to enjoy the fullness of life given by the Lord God.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. In this passage, Paul explains to the Christians in Rome and to us that by the fact that Holy Spirit is present in us, we are made children of the Father. The Holy Spirit enables us to call God,"Abba Father". The Holy Spirit also makes us fellow heirs with Christ.

"The Mystery of one God: Three Persons"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew . In this passage, Jesus instructs His disciples to baptize people and make them disciples in the name of Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The mystery of Trinity reveals to us three different faces of God.
1.There is the face of God as Father, the beginning and the end of all, the creator and ruler. He is not only the God we obey through the commandments, but also the God we address as "Our Father".
2. There is the face of God as Son, the redeemer. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, the Divine Word of God who took on human nature so as to bring salvation to the humankind.
3. There is the face of God as Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the comforter who is always with us, the paracilte who teaches us and guides us.
St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians speaks of the trinitarian God working in us. "There are various gifts but the same Spirit, and there are various services but the same Lord and there are varieties of working but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one" 1 Cor. 12: 4-6.
On this Feast of the Most Holy Trinity let us rejoice and say, "We have a Father who cares about us. We have a Brother who died for us. And we have a Spirit, a comforter who will guide us to the shores of eternity". Praise be to the Holy Triune God.

Pentecost Sunday :B: 20th May 2018

"DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT"

First Reading : Acts 2: 1-11
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 3-7 , 12-13
Gospel Reading: John 20: 19-23

   * First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. This passage gives us a vivid and forceful account of the happenings on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem.
The following details are mentioned.
1. There was a rush of a mighty wind and appearance of tongues of fire on each of the Apostles present. All of them were filled with the mighty power of the Holy Spirit. 2. They received the gift of tongues and were able to speak in other languages. Everyone present was able to hear in their own native language.
The mighty wind and tongues of fire are expressions of the powerful way in which the Spirit of God came down on the day of Pentecost. Speaking in different languages points to the fact that all man made barriers between humankind due to languages, culture and other differences are removed by the mighty presence of the Holy Spirit and God's community is united in the Spirit.

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul explains to the Christians in Corinth and us that the Holy Spirit gives various gifts to the members of the community. But these gifts are for the common good. Hence by the  Holy Spirit all of us are baptised into the one body of Christ.

"Receive The Holy Spirit"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. In this passage the Risen Lord's appearance to the disciples gathered in a closed upper room is narrated. After greeting them with words of peace and showing them His pierced hands and side, the Risen Lord breathed on them and blessed them saying "Receive the Holy Spirit".
According to biblical understanding, the wind and the Spirit signifies the breath of God. Hence Pentecost signifies a new creation and a beginning. Thus the Pentecost is the 'Birthday of the Church'.
We too need the Holy Spirit in order to live as Christians in this challenging world of today. On this Pentecost, let us pray 'Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us'.

Feast of Ascension : B : May 13,2018

       "ASCENSION OF JESUS INTO HEAVEN"

First Reading : Acts 1:1-11
Second Reading: Ephesians 1: 17-23
Gospel Reading: Mark 16: 15-20

   * First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. This passage gives us a description of the apparitions of Jesus on various occasions after being raised from death. After a period of forty days, Jesus ascended to heaven and promised His disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit upon them and they shall witness to Him in Jerusalem, in Judea and in Sameria and to the ends of the world. As they were listening to Him, Jesus was lifted up to heaven and a cloud took Him out of their sight.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. In this passage Paul explains the meaning of Ascension to the Ephesian Christians. He asserts that God raised Jesus above all earthly powers and made Him not only head of the Church but the the Lord of whole creation. Those who believe in Him will accomplish great things.

"Lord Jesus was Taken into Heaven"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. This passage tells us that after instructing the disciples, Jesus was taken up to Heaven and He sat down at the right hand of God. Further, that day Jesus commissioned His disciples to carry on the work that he began. Ascension of Jesus tells us that Jesus is no more physically present among the disciples. But now on they have to proclaim the good news to the whole world in His name.
The Feast of Ascension should gives us hope of a life after death and strengthen us by the abiding presence of Jesus among the disciples.
The following messages are given by this feast.
1. The Risen Lord is now in His glory and is seated at the right hand of God the Father.
2. Jesus assures us that after His ascension He will send the Holy Spirit to guide us.
3. Jesus promises us that even after being ascended into heaven, He will continue to be with us till the end of the world (a) by the Word of God (b) by His sacramental presence in the Holy Eucharist.
4. Jesus' ascension gives us the hope that one day all those who believe in Him will participate in His glory. 

Christmas :B: December 25, 2017

'BIRTH OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR'

First  Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7
Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14
Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 1-14

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage Isaiah speaks about Messianic hope of a Saviour who will rescue the people from their bondage. He prophecies that this Child will be a wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father and Prince of peace. This hope of the Prophet is fulfilled by the birth of Jesus  the Lord and Saviour.

   * Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Titus. In this passage Paul reminds Titus and us, that Christ has been revealed as God's living and loving grace and salvation of human kind. He encourages us to live sober and righteous lives because God in Christ has brought about salvation.

'Silent Night, Holy Night.... Saviour is born'

Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. This passage gives us a beautiful and touching description of the night of the birth of our Saviour Lord Jesus. It is the story of beautiful Angels, shepherds taking care of their flock, Mother Mary with Child Jesus in the manger. The Christmas story unlike other stories is based on a historical event: that is the birth of Jesus in space and time. God's unending love for humankind is personally expressed in the birth of Jesus. His love is inviting all of us to the manger. The shepherds responded to the call at the first Christmas night.
When Jesus was born, the humble, simple shepherds were able to meet Him and receive His blessings. Child Jesus in the manger is inviting us too.
Merry 
Christmas!
May the Divine Child Bless You
                                           - Fr. Joy Joseph

Thirty Fourth Sunday:A:Feast of Christ the King : Nov. 26, 2017

"KING OF KINGS : JESUS  CHRIST"

First Reading: Ezekiel 39: 11-12, 15-17
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 20-26,28
Gospel Reading: Matthew 25: 31-45

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. In this passage Prophet Ezekiel portrays God not as a judge of His people but as someone who cares for the people. He is compared to a shepherd who takes care of His sheep- even the least and the lost ones- and watches over them day and night.

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. In this passage Paul explains to the Corinthian community about the resurrection of Christ. He assures them and us that Christ is the conqueror of every authority and power in the world. At the end of time, He will hand over the Kingdom to the Father after destroying the last enemy that is death. He also says that Christ's resurrection is the proof and guarantee of our own resurrection from the dead.

"Christ the King of the Universe"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew, Chapter 25. The last judgement scene is described in detail. At the last judgement , Jesus will come as a judge and separate the good and evil. The King will tell those on his right - those who are blessed- 'as you did it to one of the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it me'. Those admitted to His Kingdom are not people who have done anything spectacular in the eyes of the world. The requirement to be part of the Kingdom is very simple and does not go beyond the capacity of any ordinary person. The actions are simple responses to the human needs. For Christ, simple human graciousness and charity are ground enough to be welcomed into the fullness of the Kingdom. Jesus looks upon every kindness done to a person in need however lowly as a kindness done to Himself.
Those who are excluded from His Kingdom - those cursed- have brought doom upon themselves because they failed to respond to simple human needs. They are condemned eternally not because of any violent crimes but because of their failure to act on the human needs of those in need. Hence, if we want to honour our King, we must do something to the least of His brothers and sisters in need.
"The biggest disease in the world today is not leprosy, TB or Aids but the feeling of being unwanted and uncared for. The greatest evil in the world is lack of love, the terrible indifference towards one's neighbour. What the poor need even more than food, clothes and shelter is to be wanted" - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. 

Fifteenth Sunday of the Year :A: July 16 , 2017

"FRUITFULNESS OF THE WORD OF GOD"

First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11
Second Reading: Romans 8: 18-23
Gospel Reading: Matthew 13: 1-23

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage the Prophet tells us that God cares for the earth by sending rains to make it fruitful. In the same way, He sends His Word so that it may bring forth fruit in our lives. Isaiah assures us that the Word of God will not be empty but will surely accomplish its purpose.

   *Second  reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. In this passage Paul instructs the Christian community in Rome and us that the glory which awaits us in the next life far out weighs all the sufferings of our present times. He further says the whole of creation is waiting for the liberation and glory which will be accomplished through Christ. In Christ we have become adopted sons and daughters and hence receive redemption of our bodies.

              "The Parable of the Sower"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In this passage, we have the parable of the sower. In the parable, Jesus compares the Word of God to the seeds that are sown in a field. In the first instance, some seeds fell into the path ways. In the second, some seeds fell in rocky ground and in the third, some seeds fell on thorny bushes. In all the above three situations, the seeds failed to produce any fruit due to various reasons. But in the final instance, some seeds fell on good soil and they produced fruits: some thirty, some sixty and some even hundred fold.
Jesus told this parable to his hearers to explain to them how the Word of God affects different types of people in the world.
In the second part of the Gospel, Jesus explains the parable to His disciples and highlights four different responses to the Word. Those who hear the word of God and do not understand it, the evil one comes and destroys it - are like the seeds that fell on the road side. Then there are people who hear the Word of God and receives it with joy but when trials and difficulties comes their way, they give up following the Word. These are like seeds that fell on rocky ground and due to lack of depth of soil they soon died. Then the third type of people , they listen to the word of God but cares of the world chokes them and they too do not produce the desired result. They are like the seeds that fell among thorny bushes. Finally, those who hear the word of God, accept it and and put into practice in their daily lives are like seeds that fell on good soil.
The point of the parable echoes the first reading from Prophet Isaiah: that the Word of God is fruitful and will accomplish its purpose. It is worth noting that many great works had very humble beginning like tiny seeds that fell on the ground. 
"It is not always granted to the sower to live to see the harvest. All work that is worth anything is done in faith" - Albert Schweitzer.