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

Feast of Baptism of the Lord :C

"THOU ART MY BELOVED SON, WITH THEE I AM WELL PLEASED"

First Reading: Is. 42: 1-4,6-7
Second Reading: Acts. 10: 34-38
Gospel Reading: Lk. 3: 15-16, 21-22

   * First Reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. The Prophet speaks of God's servant who will be an instrument of justice and peace to the people of God. Jesus is promised as a servant of God who will open the eyes of the blind and liberate those who are in prison and in darkness.

   * Second Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. In his testimony, St. Peter says that Jesus was sent by God to preach the good news of peace to Galilee and Judea. After his baptism by John the Baptist, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit to do works of healing and free those oppressed by evil powers.

"Baptism with Holy Spirit and with Fire"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. It gives an account of John the Baptist's testimony regarding Jesus. There is also a description of Jesus's baptism by John at the river Jordan.
During the baptism, Holy Spirit came down on Jesus. A voice from heaven was heard which said, "Thou art my beloved Son, with thee I am well pleased".
The voice from heaven affirms that Jesus is the Son sent by God, who always did what was pleasing to the Heavenly Father. 
By his Baptism we see : a) Jesus is identified with the sinful humanity although he was sinless. 
b) Jesus submitted to the will of the Heavenly Father. c) Heavenly Father approved Jesus' ministry by empowering him with the Holy Spirit.
Our baptism is very much related to the baptism of Jesus.
For us, baptism is only a door; once we go through this door, our lives are never the same. Most of us were baptized when we were infants and did not really understand its significance. By our baptism we become members of God's people. So being baptized would mean that we are choosing a life like that of Jesus. Like Jesus, in our baptism we too become sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father and we too receive the Holy Spirit.
Jesus was baptized so that the will of God might be fulfilled and this too happens when we live our baptism by turning from sin to live the life of following  Jesus.
Let us take our baptismal promises seriously from today. May the Heavenly Father Bless each one of us and announce 'this is my beloved son/ beloved daughter , in whom I am well pleased'.
Also read: http://felixlife7.blogspot.in/

The Feast of Epiphany : C

WISE MEN FROM THE EAST VISIT CHRIST CHILD :

Revelation and Manifestation of Christ

First Reading: Is. 60: 1-6
Second Reading : Eph. 3: 2-3,5-6
Gospel Reading: Mt. 2: 1-12

   * First Reading is from the book of Isaiah. The Prophet gives us a vision of the restored city of Jerusalem. In spite of darkness and gloom, the Prophet assures the people, of the coming of the Lord in splendor and glory and as a light that shines on the people. There will be great rejoicing and abundance of wealth in the land.

   * Second Reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. The Apostle speaks of universality of salvation ; that God invites all - Jews and Gentiles ( people of other nations) alike to share on an equal footing the salvation won by Christ. All are members of the same body and co-partners in the promise of Christ Jesus.

Epiphany of the Lord

Epiphany comes from the Greek word ' epiphainein' which means to reveal. This is the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles (non- Jews) as represented by the three wise men (Magi) from the east.
The three wise men came searching for Christ. They found him, worshiped him and offered him gifts. Since that day, millions of people have followed them in their foot steps and came to Christ.
The Gospel reading is from St. Mathew. It gives an account of how the wise men from the East came to Bethlehem seeing a special star. Guided by the star they reached Jerusalem and went and met King Herod expecting some guidance from him regarding the birth of this New King. Herod summoned his advisers and took their opinion. They referred to prophecies of old and  told the wise men that the New King is expected to be born in Bethlehem. Hearing this news, the wise men left Herod's palace and went in search of the child in Bethlehem. They met Child Jesus and Mary the mother , and paid their respects and offered their gifts, gold, frankincense , and myrrh.
Three important messages are given in today's Gospel story of Epiphany.
1. It speaks of a journey of the three wise men from the east to Jerusalem a far away and unknown place in search of Christ Child. This journey of theirs is a symbol of the search for truth by genuine seeks of God.
2. The meeting of wise men with King Herod is narrated. People in authority and power symbolised by Herod, try to suppress and destroy truth and God's message and messengers.
3. The wise men reached Bethlehem and paid homage to Christ Child and received blessings. It is a touching story of all moments of grace. There is joy of recognition of God; and His presence and total surrender to God of themselves represented by their gifts: gold, frankincense and  myrrh. 
Also read: http://felixlife7.blogspot.in/