Twenty Nineth Sunday :C : Mission Sunday : October 20, 2019

                         "THE MISSION"
Celebration of Mission Sunday is a reminder for all of us regarding  our duty to live our faith and to share it with others.

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. In this passage Isaiah speaks about the light that has come to Israel when the whole world is covered in darkness. Nations and Kings will come to Israel to see this light. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfillment in Jesus the true light.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. In this passage Paul emphatically states that believing in Jesus and proclaiming that He is the Lord is necessary for salvation. Other people can come to faith only if there are people to preach the message of Christ to them. Paul puts it obligatory for all Christians to preach the message of Jesus to non-believers so that all people can be saved.

"Preach the Gospel to all nations"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. This passage gives us the mission command of Jesus.  Before He ascended to heaven Jesus gave His mission command to the disciples. They were asked to go to all nations- preach and make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Jesus makes it imperative for all His disciples to preach to all nations. Hence by this command the Lord removed all obstacles and distinction between the Jews and other nations so that everyone can be admitted to His heavenly kingdom. The Lord thus commanded His disciples to go to a distance in order to spread the good news in every part of the world. Thus the prophecy of Isaiah (49:6) 'I shall make you a light to all nations so that my salvation may reach the remotest corners of the earth' comes to fulfillment.
Hence it is the duty of every Christian to continue the mission entrusted to the disciples by Jesus. On this Mission Sunday Church reminds all members about this duty so that everyone will come to know that Jesus is indeed the saviour of the world. In the final section of today's Gospel Jesus promises His abiding presence with His disciples till the end of times.
"The Church by its very nature is Missionary" - Vat.II (AD2)
" Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words"- St. Francis Assisi.
"A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history" - M.K. Gandhi.

Twenty Third Sunday of the Year:C: Nativity of Bl. Mother Mary

                 "THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP"

Today  (September 8) we celebrate the birthday of our Heavenly Mother Mary. On this day the universal Church celebrates this feast with great devotion and gaiety. 
First of all she is the mother of Jesus, the saviour of the humankind.
Secondly she is also our heavenly mother. At the foot of the cross Jesus told St. John:" This is your mother". 

First Reading: Wisdom 9: 13-18
Second Reading: Philemon 9-10,12-17
Gospel Reading: Luke 14: 25-33

   * First reading is from the book of Wisdom. This passage gives us a message that faced with the mysteries of the universe, we are ignorant of the meaning of history and the mind of God. But God has given us the Wisdom. God sent the Holy Spirit so that we may walk in the right path so as to conduct our affairs prudently.

   * Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Philemon. In this passage Paul advises Philemon concerning his slave Onesimus who had run away and somehow reached Paul who was at that time imprisoned. Paul brought Onesimus to faith. Paul urges Philemon to take Onesimus back not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ.

"Renunciation the pre-condition for discipleship"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. This passage explains to us the cost of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. The context is that of Jesus' instructions to His would-be disciples. He told them that to follow Him first of all they should count the cost of being a disciple. He made two demands. The first one was that they have to hate their family and one's own very self. The second one was that they have to take up their crosses and follow Him. Hence Jesus made it clear to His would-be disciples that they must be ready to sacrifice the dearest things in their lives: family ties and one's own very life. In certain situations in life a disciple may have to choose between Jesus and what is dear to him/her.
Jesus further explained this message through two parables. Jesus pointed out that discipleship has to be taken seriously. It could mean they have to undergo persecutions and even death in certain cases. Throughout the history of the Church discipleship had cost much sufferings and even death. As in any other sphere of life one should weigh the pros and cons and then take a final decision. One must calculate the cost before venturing out.
Accepting the cross gives us immense graces that will lead us to eternal life. Bl. Mother Mary whose nativity we celebrate today is a prime and perfect example of discipleship.
"The first call which every Christian experiences is the call to abandon the attachments of this world" - Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 
"The key (to discipleship) is not to ignore life's demands but simply to integrate them to your life of faith. That is why Jesus teaches that we are to seek the Kingdom first and then all else will be provided" - D.M. Bickerstaff.
" To deny oneself is to be aware  only of Christ and no more self" - Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Thirteenth Sunday of the Year:C: June 30, 2019

         "THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP"

First Reading : 1 Kings 19: 16,19-21
Second Reading: Galatians 5:1,13-18
Gospel Reading: Luke 9:51-62

   *First reading is from the first book of the Kings. This passage gives details about the call of Elisha to be a prophet of the Lord God. Prophet Elijah was asked by the Lord God to appoint Elisha to succeed him. When called, Elisha responded immediately and totally. Elisha bid farewell to his father and mother. Then he slaughtered the oxen he was ploughing with and cooked the meal with the yoke and ate the flesh. Elisha thus left everything he had - all that held him back from being a disciple of Elijah and followed the prophet of the Lord God.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Galatians. This passage speaks about Christian freedom. Paul explains to the Christians in Galatia that Christian freedom is not for self indulgence but for total self surrender to the love of God. The Apostle warns them that despite their union with Christ and the gifts of the Spirit they have received in the past, they have to struggle against the flesh which will do its utmost to lead them to sin and slavery.

"The cost of discipleship"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. This passage describes how Jesus resolutely took the road to Jerusalem though He knew that a shameful death awaited Him there. He demands the same type of commitment from His followers. On His way to Jerusalem, three persons met Him. To the first person who wanted to follow Him Jesus warned him that there is hardly any place of rest for him if he were to follow Him.
The next person was called by Jesus. But he expressed his inability to follow Jesus because of his religious duty of burying his father who was dead. But Jesus told him "let the dead bury their own dead" - implying that Jesus extends the boundaries of religion beyond dead traditions.
The third person wanted to follow Jesus but before that he wanted to bid farewell to his family members. He too was found wanting because of his attachment to his family.
Hence following Jesus is of such importance that there is no room for any excuses or for compromises with the world or for any kind of half-hearted responses. 
"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die" - Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
"Christianity without Christ is inevitably Christianity without discipleship and Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ"- Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 

Sixth Sunday of Easter :C: 26th May 2019

"PROMISE OF PEACE AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT"

First Reading : Acts 15:1-2,22-29
Second Reading: Apocalypse 21:10-14, 22-23
Gospel Reading: John 14:23-29

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. This passage describes the problems faced by the early Christian community and how the Apostles resolved them through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Many gentiles (non-Jews) became believers in the Lord as a result of the preaching of Paul and Barnabas. But the question was how much of the mosaic law was applicable to the new converts? The first council of the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit gave a decision which was far reaching. It is not the external circumcision that matters but rather the internal disposition of the heart that really matters.

   * Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. This passage describes a majestic picture of  the new Jerusalem- the heavenly Church of the future where God's Kingdom will come in its glory. The image of the Holy city of Jerusalem as the bride of the Lamb points to the heavenly origin of the Church.

"Jesus expresses His love and promises Holy Spirit and peace"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. This passage contains a part of the farewell discourse of Jesus at the Last Supper. At the onset of the discourse Jesus expresses His love for His beloved disciples. They in turn are asked to love Him by keeping His commandments. Then Jesus promises  a Councilor the Holy Spirit who will be sent by the Father. He promised them that the Holy Spirit will teach all things and bring to remembrance what Jesus Himself taught them. Finally Jesus promises His peace to His disciples. He gave the assurance that they are not to be afraid of anything or to be worried about anything because He is going to the heavenly Father. Jesus' unshakable faith in the Father is the basis and the source of the promised peace. Jesus offers the same peace to each one of us. Let the peace of the Risen Lord remain in our hearts and minds which the world cannot give us.
"When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others" - M.K. Gandhi.
"If we have no peace , it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other" - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Fifth Sunday of Easter :C: May19,2019

       "JESUS' COMMANDMENT OF LOVE"

First Reading : Acts 14: 21-27
Second Reading: Apocalypse 21: 1-5
Gospel Reading: John 12: 31-35

   * First Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. This passage narrates the various missionary journeys of Saints Paul and Barnabas. During their journeys, they retrace their steps, encouraging the little communities of Christians which they had lovingly founded. The new disciples were encouraged to persevere in faith in the Lord Jesus in order to face persecutions and sufferings in future.

   * Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. This passage describes the vision of St. John about the new creation and the final union of all the faithful with the Lord Jesus. The new world order that awaits us offers us peace and happiness in the company of the glorious Lord.

"Love one another even as I have loved you"
Today's Gospel passage is from St. John. In this passage Jesus asks His disciples and all of us to love others as He has loved us - to love unselfishly. To really love someone is to put the other person first. The parable of the good Samaritan graphically explains this message. It is simple and at the same time frightening. How many of us could do this in reality? We are happy with a few kind words and gestures- a commitment or two - and we have a good conscience. True love like true friendship is more difficult. It calls for an effort and  it causes pain. It is not enough to say I love you or to say I care for you and do nothing about it. The deepest pain comes when our love is not returned or ignored by the person we love. Then it is hard to go on loving such a person. Often we flatly refuse to love those whom we consider - for some reason or other - unworthy of our love.
But to be true followers of Jesus we are singled out and are identified by our love for one another. Jesus demands that kind of love from each one of us. 
"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?" - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
"I asked Jesus, "How much do you love me ?" And Jesus said, "This much" Then He stretched out His arms and died." - Anon

Fourth Sunday of Easter : C: May 12,2019

       "JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD"

First Reading: Acts 13: 14,43-52
Second Reading: Apocalypse 7: 9,14-17
Gospel Reading: John 10: 27-30

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. This passage narrates the missionary journeys of St. Paul and St. Barnabas. They preached the Gospel at the Jewish Synagogue at Antioch. Initially the people were receptive to the Word and responded with enthusiasm. But later some Jews conspired against them and people became hostile. Due to the opposition, Paul and Barnabas went to the gentile community (non-Jews) and preached the Word of God in their midst. Many gentiles became believers in the Lord Jesus. But some Jews incited the people against the two and they were driven out of the city.

   *Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. This passage narrates a heavenly vision of St. John where a great multitude of people who underwent persecutions and sufferings are rewarded and are received in glory to the presence of the Almighty God. They owe their victory to the care of Christ the Good Shepherd.

"My sheep hear my voice"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. This passage describes Jesus the Good Shepherd. Some of the qualities of the Good Shepherd are mentioned in this passage.
1. "My sheep hear my voice": to be sheep of Christ's flock would mean that we are ready to listen to the Good Shepherd. There are mainly three ways in which Jesus the Good Shepherd speaks to us.
a. Through the Holy Bible. b. Through our conscience. c. Through the teachings of the Church and its legitimate authorities. 
2. Jesus tells us that as a Good Shepherd, "I know them". To know the sheep means to recognize each of them and take care of them in challenging situations. Jesus knows each one of His sheep personally. In the book of Isaiah it is written, "I know you before you were born, I know you from your mother's womb". Hence the Good Shepherd protects the sheep and takes care of them.
3. The sheep follow the Good Shepherd. The sheep do not follow a stranger. But the one who takes care of them. So we are expected to follow Jesus the Good Shepherd in our daily lives.
"We were looking for a 'Good Shepherd' and instead we got a German Shepherd" - Pope Benedict XVI ( on his election as Pope)
"Too many leaders act as if the sheep ...their people...are there for the benefit of the shepherd not that the shepherd has responsibility for the sheep" - K. Blanchard.
"For he hears the lambs innocent call;
And he hears the ewes tender reply;
He is watchful while they are in peace;
For they know their Shepherd nigh". - W. Blake

Third Sunday of Easter : C: May 5, 2019

                       " PETER'S CONFESSION"

First Reading: Acts 5: 27-32, 40-41
Second Reading: Apocalypse 5: 12-14
Gospel Reading : John 21: 1-19

   * First reading is from the Acts of Apostles. This passage narrates how Peter and other Apostles were cautioned by the Jewish authorities and they were ordered not to preach in the name of Jesus. But the Apostles boldly and fearlessly spoke to the people saying "we must obey God rather than men"- a lesson which we too need to adhere to in difficult and challenging situations of life. The Apostles proclaimed to the people that they were witnesses to the death of Jesus on the cross but God raised Him and glorified Him.

   * Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. In this passage St. John narrates a heavenly vision of the glorified Jesus under the image of the lamb that was slain. A hymn in praise of the crucified and risen Christ is narrated.

"Do you love me more than these?"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. This passage describes the appearance of the Risen Lord to seven of the Apostles on the shore of the sea of Tiberius. During their encounter the Lord asked Peter the one and the same question three times: "Do you love me?" Before His crucifixion and death, Peter had denied Jesus three times. Now he is asked to profess his love for the Lord three times in public. After Peter professed his love for the Lord Peter was told by the Lord that he would be the foundation, the source of strength and the unity  in the community of the faithful. 
Peter's story is one of calling, falling and recalling. Peter certainly failed Jesus when he needed him most. But Jesus' calls does not exclude falls. Risen Lord called Peter to move forward in faith. He asked him to declare his love in public. Having declared his love Peter was entrusted with the care of the entire community of faithful. He was told to "feed my lambs, feed my sheep".
We too are like St. Peter. We too have our failures. We need someone who can understand our weaknesses and failures and need encouragement to overcome our failures. Risen Lord is there to help us to go forward in times of crisis and failures.
We in turn should be ready to extend the same understanding and love towards others especially those who fail us.