The Feast of Pentecost: B: May 19, 2024

THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE APOSTLES

First Reading: Acts 2: 1-11

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 3-7 and 12-13

Gospel Reading: John 20: 19-23

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. A vivid and convincing account of the happenings on the day of Pentecost is narrated. The following details are mentioned: 1. There is a rush of a mighty wind and the appearance of tongues of fire on each of the Apostles. All of them are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. 2. They receive the gift of tongues and are able to speak in other languages. All who are present in Jerusalem from different parts of the world are able to listen to the Apostles in their own native language. The mighty wind and tongues of fire are expressions of the powerful way in which the Spirit of God comes down on the day of Pentecost. Speaking in different languages points to the fact that all man-made barriers of languages, cultures, regions and other differences are done away with by the powerful and mighty presence of the Holy Spirit. Now onwards, God's community is united in the Spirit of God. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Corinth and to us that the Holy Spirit dispenses various gifts to the members of the Christian community. But these gifts are for the common good. Hence, by the power of the Holy Spirit all of us are baptized into the one body of Christ.

Receive the Holy Spirit                                                               Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The risen Lord's appearance to the disciples gathered in a closed upper room is narrated. After greeting them with the words of peace and showing them His pierced hands and side, the risen Lord breaths on them and blesses them with the words, "Receive the Holy Spirit." Hence, the risen Lord infuses them with the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the word of God boldly and powerfully. According to the biblical tradition, the wind and the Spirit signifies the breath of God. Hence, Pentecost signifies a new creation and a new beginning. The day of Pentecost is hence the birthday of the Church. We too need the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in order to live as true followers of Christ in these challenging times. Let our prayer be, 'Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.'

Bethlehem was God with us,                                                                                                                      Calvary was God for us,                                                                                                                              and Pentecost is God in us."     - Robert Baer

"Pentecost is a celebration of God......                                                                                                        a celebration of God's power.....                                                                                                                  a celebration of God's desire to empower us and to dwell within us." - Mark Hart 

The Feast of Ascension of the Lord: B: May 12, 2024

                       THE ASCENSION OF JESUS

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. A description of the various apparitions of  the risen Lord on different occasions after His resurrection is narrated in detail. After a period of forty days, Jesus ascends to heaven and He promises His disciples that He will send the Holy Spirit upon them. He asks them to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the world. As they listened to Him, Jesus is lifted up to heaven and a cloud takes Him out of their sight.

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

The risen Lord is taken up to heaven                                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. After instructing the disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is taken up to heaven and He sits at the right hand of God. On His final day in this world, the Lord commissions His disciples to carry on the work that He began in the world. The Ascension of Jesus tells us that He is no longer physically present among His disciples. From now on, they are to proclaim His teachings to the whole world. The feast of Ascension should give us hope of a life after death. It should as well strengthen us by the abiding presence of the risen Lord among His followers. Hence, the following messages are given by this Feast: 1. The risen Lord is now in His glory and He 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 and to strengthen 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: By the word of God and His sacramental presence in the Holy Eucharist. 4. Jesus' Ascension gives us the assurance that one day all who believe in Him will participate in His glory. 

"At His Ascension our Lord entered Heaven and He keeps the door open for humanity to enter."  - Oswald Chambers

"Ascensions into heaven are like falling of leaves, sad and happy all at the same time. Going away isn't really sad especially when your going enables a new kind of presence to be born." - Ernest Hemingway

Sixth Sunday of Easter B: May 5, 2024

         JESUS' COMMANDMENT OF LOVE

First Reading: Acts 10: 25-26, 34-35 and 44-48

Second Reading: 1 John 4: 7-10

Gospel Reading: John 15: 9-17

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. A vivid account of the conversion and baptism of Cornelius, a non-Jew and a Roman Centurion with his family is given. While St. Peter speaks to them about Jesus and His ministry, Holy Spirit comes down on them. This incident explicitly reveals to the Apostles that God is not selective in His love and He wants everyone to be saved. His salvation is open to all people and all nationalities. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. John makes a very important statement about God: That God is love in its fullness. The proof of God's love for humankind is that He sent His only Son into the world to give us eternal  life and make expiation for the sins of the whole humanity.

'Love one another as I have loved you'                                                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Jesus expresses His deep love for His beloved disciples. In return, their love for Him is to be expressed by keeping His commandments. Jesus in this context is not speaking about the ten commandments which were given to Moses by the Lord God on Mount Sinai. In the Gospels we have definite guidelines and sign-posts so as to keep His commandments in our day to day lives. They could be summarized in the following manner: 1. Do not return evil for evil. Nothing is achieved by revenge and retaliation. 2. Do not judge others. Leave the judgements to God. 3. Do not worry about food , drink and cloths as if these are the most important things in life. Our primary concern should be to live as Christ wants us to. 4. Do not look back once you have decided to follow Jesus. 5. Let your light shine before everyone. 6. Love your enemies: Not just your friends and cronies. 7. Give and you will receive in abundance. 8. Forgive everyone who sins against you. 9. Take this bread and eat it. Take this cup and drink it. Eucharist is the primary nourishment to live as followers of the Lord. 10. Finally, love one another as I have loved you. If we follow these do's and don'ts then probably we will be able to fulfill the commandment of love given by the Lord. 

"Hungry for love, He looks at you.                                                                                                              Thirsty for kindness, He begs you.                                                                                                            Homeless for shelter in your heart, He asks you.                                                                                      Will you be that one to Him?" - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta 

Fifth Sunday of Easter: B: April 28, 2024

 THE INTIMATE AND ABIDING UNION WITH THE RISEN LORD                                       (The vine and the branches)

First Reading: Acts 9: 26-31

Second Reading: 1 John 3: 18-24

Gospel Reading: John 15: 1-8

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Paul's dramatic conversion and subsequent happenings in the life of Paul are narrated. Paul who was a fierce persecutor of the Christians is dramatically transformed by the powerful intervention of the risen Lord. Paul (Saul) persecuted Christians in and around Jerusalem. But after his Damascus experience and subsequent conversion, Paul wants to join the Christian community at Jerusalem. But he finds it difficult to be accepted by the community because of his earlier life as a persecutor of Christians. So Barnabas a disciple of good repute, introduces Paul to the Apostles.  Paul starts to preach boldly and fearlessly in Jerusalem but the Jews there try to kill him. So he is sent to Tarsus. The early Church grows in strength in spite of much opposition and persecutions. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. John instructs us that if we wish to live as God wants us to do, we must keep His commandments. That would mean that we should believe in the name of Jesus and love one another as he commands us to do. Those who keep the commandments are united to Him and the presence of the Holy Spirit is with them.

The abiding presence of the risen Lord in the believer                                                     Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Jesus instructs us about the intimate and deep personal bond between Him and those who believe in Him.  This relationship is compared to that of the vine and its branches. The branches have to be united with the vine in order to produce fruits. If the branches are cut off from the vine, they cannot be fruitful. Jesus also mentions about two types of branches: Fruit-bearing branches which are pruned to produce more fruits; and those branches that do not produce fruits, which are cut off from the vine. We are united with Jesus through our baptism. Hence, if we are fruit-bearing branches, we have to be prepared to be pruned to produce more fruits. But if we are branches that do not produce fruits, it is time to change our ways so that we too produce fruits, lest we be cut off from the Lord. Let our life be always in union with the risen Lord and be like branches that are united with the vine. 

"To start anew from Christ means being close to Him, being close to Jesus. Jesus stresses the importance of this with the disciples at the Last Supper, as He prepares to give us His own greatest gift of love: His sacrifice on the Cross. Jesus uses the image of the vine and the branches and says, 'Abide in my love, remain attached to me, as the branch is attached to the vine'. If we are joined to Him, then we are able to bear fruit." - Pope Francis

Fourth Sunday of Easter: B: April 21, 2024

                      JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD

First Reading: Acts 4: 8-12

Second Reading: 1 John 3: 1-2

Gospel Reading: John 10: 11-18

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. The miraculous healing of a crippled person by St. Peter is narrated in detail. Peter testifies to the people of Jerusalem that this miracle happened not by his power but by the power of Jesus of Nazareth whom the Jewish authorities had crucified. He affirms that there is no salvation for anyone except through the power of Jesus although He was rejected by the Jews. 

  *Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. John tells us that through the love of Jesus, we are made children of God. In our future life, we shall see Jesus as He is. He will do many great and mighty deeds in our lives. 

The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep                                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Jesus instructs us that He is the Good Shepherd. To understand this comparison of Jesus to a Good Shepherd, it is important to understand the background of a Shepherd in Palestine at the time of Jesus. The Shepherd is a man who is completely and whole-heartedly dedicated to the care and well-being of his sheep. The Shepherd and the sheep have a very close and intimate relationship. He calls each one by name and they recognize his voice. The Shepherd goes in front of the sheep and the sheep follow him. Often he carries the weak and the very young on his shoulders. To protect the flock from robbers and animals of prey, he has to undergo extreme hardships and in some case even his own life is at stake. Jesus the Good Shepherd cares for His followers. He specially cares for the weak, the least and the lost. The evidence is explicitly seen in the pages of the Gospels. We all need to draw great inspiration and comfort in knowing that Jesus is the Good Shepherd for everyone of us. He is the great leader and saviour we have. He is the one who really cares about us even to the extent of giving His life for our sake. The Good Shepherd does not look for His own comfort but that of His beloved sheep. This theme of Good Shepherd has its echoes in the words of the Lord: " The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20: 28). Let us follow the Good Shepherd who is always ready to lead us and to love us. He tells us: "I know my own and my own know me." - John 10:14.

"The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want." - Psalm 23:1

Third Sunday of Easter: B: April 14, 2024

 THE GIFT OF PEACE FROM THE RISEN LORD

First Reading: Acts 3: 13-15 and 17-19

Second Reading: 1 John 2: 1-5

Gospel Reading: Luke 24: 35-48

  * First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. St. Peter courageously addresses the people of Jerusalem. He openly tells them that they have committed a heinous and terrible crime and a grave sin by killing Jesus, the author of life. However, since they have done it out of ignorance, it is time to repent and receive the forgiveness of God. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. John assures us that Jesus is our advocate with God the Father. Hence, anyone loves Jesus and keeps His commandments, the love of God is perfected in him/her.

The risen Lord appears to His disciples                                                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. After the crucifixion and death of Jesus, the dreams and the aspirations of His disciples lay shattered. Their world falls apart. Their immediate reaction to these discouraging incidents is to cut themselves off from the hostile world and live behind closed doors. But Jesus the Good Shepherd does not leave them in their confusion, pain and misery. He appears to them and gives them the assurance of His presence. "Peace be with you" are His words of comfort. After experiencing the presence of the risen Lord, once again their hopes are revived. They realize that it is through the sufferings and His shameful death on the cross that Jesus is in His glory. The disciples gradually realize the implications and the meaning of Jesus' sufferings and death. Their broken bond with the Lord is mended. They experience the power of the risen Lord and become courageous and powerful witnesses to the Lord. The peace of the risen Lord releases the disciples from their shame, guilt, fears and worries. This gift of Jesus gradually transforms them to be faithful witnesses and even to die for Him. For us too, the resurrection of Jesus is not something of a past event but it should become a living and hope-filled reality. The risen Lord enters through our closed doors too. He brings His peace into our disturbed and confused lives. He calms our fears and restlessness. He brings us hope and light. Let our prayer be: Risen Lord, help us to believe that you are always with us.

"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without." - Buddha

"Peace begins with a smile." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Second Sunday of Easter: B: April 7, 2024

            DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY                                                                            (The healing touch of the Risen Lord and He clears doubts)

First Reading: Acts 4: 32-35

Second Reading: 1 John 5: 1-6

Gospel Reading: John 20: 19-31

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. A vivid account of the life of the early Christian community is portrayed. The risen Lord has a decisive and lasting influence on the lives of His followers. Their unity of heart and mind is truly praise-worthy and commendable. It is a community totally faithful to the Gospel values where believers share their faith and share their possessions. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. John exhorts the Christian community to live a life of love. He reminds us that every Christian is a child of God. Hence, he/she shows his/her love for God by keeping the commandments of God. 

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe                                                        Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The disciple at the center of today's Gospel narrative is Thomas. Thomas is a deeply wounded and broken man. When Jesus his master and friend is put to death on that tragic Friday, he is in deep pain and leaves the company of the other Apostles. As a result, he is unable to meet the risen Lord when He appears to the other disciples on Easter Sunday. Later, he comes to know about the appearance of the risen Lord and he is deeply hurt by the turn of events. After eight days, when the Lord appears again to all of them, He calls Thomas and shows His wounds to him. They are the proof of His love for them. Then the Lord invites Thomas to touch those precious wounds and be healed of his unbelief. Thus it is by touching and being touched that Thomas is healed of his doubts, unbelief, grief and pain. What Jesus told Thomas that day should ring in our ears whenever we are in doubt: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe". The world today is full of doubting Thomas(es). Many do not believe that Christ is risen and we can truly experience the power of the risen Lord in our lives. They will not be convinced unless they touch His wounds and see the radiance of His face. But this can happen only if the risen Lord is seen in His followers. For that we ourselves need to experience the powerful presence of the risen Lord. 

"The key to wisdom is this - constant and frequent questioning, for by doubting we are led to question and by questioning, we arrive at the truth." - Peter Abelard

"Jesus' willingness to accommodate Thomas' unbelief is a reminder that God can handle our doubts."    - David D Flowers

"Doubting Thomas uttered the greatest confession of faith recorded anywhere in the Bible." - Dr. R. F. Wilson