Fourth Sunday of the Year: B: January 28, 2024

                     THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS

First Reading: Deuteronomy 18: 15-20

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7: 32-35

Gospel Reading: Mark 1: 21-28

   *First reading is from the book of Deuteronomy. Moses instructs the people of Israel that the Lord God will send and outstanding Prophet who will proclaim His message and lead them to the Lord God. The Lord God will put words into the mouth of the Prophet and he will speak with authority. This prophecy of Moses finds its fulfilment in Lord Jesus. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul reminds the Christian community at Corinth and us that whether married or unmarried, we are called to holiness of life and to live with an undivided devotion to God. He urges those who are celibate to give their undivided attention to the Lord. He wishes that all of us be free from all worries so as to give total attention to Lord Jesus and His message. 

With authority He commands                                                                  Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. We have a specific example of how Jesus speaks with great authority during His public life. Only a genuine person can speak with authority. At that time, there were many teachers of the law: The Scribes and the Pharisees. But none of them could speak with authority. Jesus speaks with authority because he had the approval of the heavenly Father and He was filled with the Holy Spirit. He is convinced of what He says and He speaks what He believes in. In the second part of today's Gospel, we have some examples of how Jesus exercised His authority. A person possessed by an evil spirit is brought to the Lord. Jesus commands and the evil spirit leaves that person and he is totally freed from the power of evil. Today, we are living in a world where many people are possessed by various evils. They are the people who are haunted by fear, worries, anxieties, suicidal tendencies, various addictions and many other evil habits. Jesus' authority and power is necessary to heal these unfortunate people. Hence, Jesus exercises His authority to liberate people and to heal them. He brings them closer to the love of the heavenly Father. The prophecy of Moses regarding the coming of a great Prophet finds its fulfilment in Jesus. More than ever, today we are faced with scepticism about many people in authority both in the secular sphere and in the religious sphere. Unlike them, Jesus speaks with authority because He speaks the truth and He backs up His words with His deeds. 

"All authority in heaven and earth is given to me." - Matthew 28:18

"Authority exercised with humility and obedience accepted with delight are the very lines along which our spirits live." - C. S. Lewis

Third Sunday of the Year: B: January 21, 2024

                        THE CALL TO REPENTANCE

First Reading: Jonah 3: 1-5 and 10

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31

Gospel Reading:  Mark 1: 14-20

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jonah. A description of how the Lord God sent Prophet Jonah to Nineveh is given. Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria - the bitter enemy of Israel. Jonah wants the city and its inhabitants to be destroyed. But the Lord God instructs Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach His Word. The Lord God wants the Ninevites to repent and renounce their sinful ways. Jonah is very reluctant to go there and he gives many excuses for not going to Nineveh. When Jonah preaches, the people of Nineveh, from the greatest to the least, repent and do penance. The Lord God spares the city from impending punishment and destruction.

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul exhorts the Christian community at the port city of Corinth to abandon their old sinful ways to follow the teaching of the Lord Jesus. He encourages them to consider the values of the Kingdom of God  above everything else. He instructs them and us that after experiencing the love of Christ, an attitude of detachment to worldly pleasures is a must. 

The Kingdom of God is at hand                                                                  Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A description of the beginning of Jesus' ministry with the announcement of the Good News is given: "The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Good News" is the keynote. Through this announcement, Jesus tells us the following: 1. Repentance means experiencing conversion - a new way of life. It is a turning away from sin and turning to God's ways. The call to repentance is inclusive of everyone. 2. The good news is that forgiveness is available and recovery is possible. One can find one's true self even after the most disheartening fall or series of falls. We can come back to the Father's love where not judgement but welcome awaits us. In spite of our many failures and sins, we are very much loved unconditionally by God our loving Father. His love, His mercy and His forgiveness are available to us through His beloved Son Jesus. All we need to do is to recognize our need and seek His help with humility and sincerity. For Jesus invites us to repentance and to the good news of the Kingdom. 

"Deep sorrow does not come because one has violated a law, but only if one knows he has broken off the relationship with Divine Love. But there is yet another element required for regeneration, the element of repentance and reparation." -Arch Bishop Fulton J Sheen

Second Sunday of the Year: B: January 14, 2024

                         THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

First Reading: 1 Samuel 3: 3-10 and 19

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 6: 13-15 and 17-20

Gospel Reading: John 1: 35-42

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Samuel. An account of the call of young Samuel by the Lord God is given. Samuel responds to the call of the Lord God whole-heartedly and unconditionally. He totally submits to the Lord God. He says, "Speak, for thy servant hears". It is through the Prophet Samuel that the Lord God guided the chosen people to become a great nation. The call of Samuel is an example of the mysterious and hidden ways in which the Lord God acts. By listening and obeying the Lord God, Samuel became the liberator of the people of God. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul writes this letter to Christians in Corinth, a port city where people were living in sexual immorality. Paul instructs them and us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and hence, we must not indulge in sinful ways but use our bodies for the glory of God. Because of our call to be holy, we have to live up to the image of God and be a source of blessings to our brothers and sisters. 

The call of the first disciples                                                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. John narrates the call of the first disciples of Jesus. Andrew and his brother Peter have their first encounter with Jesus near the sea of Galilee. It is not a mere casual meeting but rather a meeting of hearts. Sometimes when people meet it can be a mere formality. But in an encounter, people open their hearts to one another and share their innermost ideas and concerns. This encounter between Jesus and His first disciples changes their lives. For the next three years they would really know who Jesus is and they would experience His constant companionship. Jesus invites His first disciple with the words, "Come and see". He is inviting us too in the same way. If we accept His invitation, He will reveal His real self to us and the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Most of us can recall from past some encounters with another person/persons that had a lasting influence or changed our lives or made a firm impression in our lives. The question is: "Are we prepared to accept the invitation of the Lord Jesus?"

"Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Discipleship is crucial to our ultimate destiny, but its cost is total commitment." - David Jeremiah

The Feast of Epiphany :B: January 7, 2023

 THE THREE WISE MEN FROM THE EAST VISIT CHILD JESUS

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6

Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2-3 and 5-6

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2: 1-12

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. A reference to the joyful return of the Jewish people from exile to the holy city of Jerusalem is mentioned in the first part of the passage. They find their beloved Jerusalem in total ruins. Isaiah encourages them and cheers them up with a vision of the future restored city. In the second part, the final pilgrimage of the people of God to the heavenly Jerusalem is mentioned. This prophecy of Isaiah has some echoes in today's feast of Epiphany.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Ephesus that God invites the Jews and Gentiles (all people) to share on an equal footing the salvation brought by Christ. The feast of Epiphany reminds us of God's invitation to all people to be part of the salvific event without any distinction of social standing or place of origin. The Church is complete only when everyone - Jews and Gentiles- live in harmony as members of the body of Christ. 

The Epiphany: The manifestation of the Lord to the whole world                                 Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. An account of how the three wise men from the east came to Bethlehem to pay homage to infant Jesus is given. They pay homage and offer their precious gifts to the divine child. Jewish leaders ignore or reject the infant in the manger and some even plot to kill Him. But the three wise men left their home-lands and comfort zones in search of the divine child. The story of the wise men is the story of all genuine seekers of faith. They leave everything precious to them and are guided by a star. They diligently search for the child Jesus. When they find Him, they worship Him. Hence the Gospel story gives us three important messages: 1. It speaks of the journey of the three wise men from the east to Bethlehem. Their journey is a symbol of the search for truth by genuine seekers of God. 2. The meeting between the wise men and King Herod reminds us that people in authority and power try to suppress and even try to destroy God's messengers for their own selfish reasons. 3. The wise men paying homage to child Jesus is a touching story of all moments of grace and they totally surrender themselves to the Almighty. 

The Feast of the Holy Family: B: December 31, 2023

 THE HOLY FAMILY: A MODEL FAMILY

First Reading: Ecclesiastes 3: 2-6 and 12-14

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 12-21

Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 22-40

   *First reading is from the book of Ecclesiastes. A brief description regarding the obligations of children towards their parents is narrated. Honouring  parents brings great blessings to the offspring. Children are instructed to take care of their parents in their old age with understanding and forbearance. Hence, the commandment of honouring one's father and mother is not merely restricted to obeying them when one is young but also by taking care of them in their old age.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. Paul gives some practical advices and guidance for an ideal Christian family life. He mentions those great virtues like compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience. Above all these, he says, put on love which is the perfect binding force for the family to be united. He advises husbands not to be harsh with their wives and children. He asks everyone in the family to have mutual respect and genuine concern for one another. These guidelines of Paul are very much applicable even in the twenty-first century. 

Child Jesus is presented in the Jerusalem temple                                               Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. A detailed account of the presentation of Child Jesus in the Jerusalem temple is narrated. We are reminded that the parents of Jesus followed everything that the law commanded them to do. The presence of two benevolent and elderly people is also mentioned: Prophet Simeon and Prophetess Anna get the opportunity to meet the divine Child in the temple. They had lived prayerful lives of faith and hope. They had waited in eager expectation for the Messiah. Being wise and guided by the Holy Spirit, they recognize the moment of grace: The coming of the divine Child in the temple. They are greatly privileged  to hold the divine Child in their arms and give praise and thanks to God for the great blessings they have received as well as for the many blessings for the whole world through this Child. After the purification ceremony, the Holy Family returns to Nazareth to continue their lives in a simple and humble way. The Holy Family is a model for all families in adhering to the will of God in all circumstances of life.

Christmas: B: December 25, 2023

 THE BIRTH OF LORD JESUS, THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD

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. Isaiah speaks about the messianic hope of a saviour who will rescue the people of the Lord God from their bondage. He prophesies that the Child to born will be  a wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father and Prince of peace. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfilment at the birth of Jesus, the Lord and Saviour of the world. 

   *Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Titus. Paul reminds Titus and us that Christ has been revealed as God's living and loving grace and the salvation of the whole humankind. He encourages us to live sober and righteous lives because God in Christ has brought about salvation for us. 

Silent night, Holy night ........A Saviour is born                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. It gives us a beautiful and touching description about the birth of our Lord Jesus on that holy night at Bethlehem of Judea. It is a story of beautiful Angels, shepherds taking care of their flock, Mother Mary and Child Jesus in the manger. The Christmas story unlike many other stories, is based on a historical event that took place more than 2000 years ago. It is the story about the birth of Jesus in space and time. God's unending love for humankind is deeply and personally expressed in the birth of Jesus the Son of God. His love is inviting all of us to the manger. The Shepherds joyfully respond to the invitation at the first Christmas night. The humble Shepherds are able to meet the Lord and receive His blessings. They pay theirs respects to the divine Child. The Child Jesus in the manger is inviting everyone of us. That night the Angels sang: "Glory to God in the highest! Peace to men of goodwill". 

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

May the divine Child at Bethlehem Bless everyone. 

Fourth Sunday of Advent: B: December 24, 2023

 CHEERFULLY ACCEPTING THE WILL OF GOD

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7: 1-6 and 8-16

Second Reading: Romans 16: 25-27

Gospel Reading: Luke 1: 26-28

   *First reading is from the second book of Prophet Samuel. The Lord God reveals His plans regarding King David and his dynasty to Prophet Nathan. David wants to build a house for the Lord God and he consults Prophet Nathan regarding the matter. That night, the Lord God tells Nathan that it will be the Lord God who will build a house for David that lasts forever. By sending His only begotten Son Jesus to be born in David's lineage, the promise of the Lord God finds its fulfillment. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul instructs the Christian community at Rome and us that God's plan of salvation for Jews and Gentiles has come to its fulfillment in Christ Jesus. It is up to us to proclaim that good news to all nations. 

Behold the handmaid of the Lord                                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The annunciation of the birth of Lord Jesus is narrated in detail. The meeting of Mary and Angel Gabriel is an illustration of the living faith of Mary. She unconditionally gives her consent to be the mother of the redeemer though she hardly understood the depth of her 'Yes'. Hence, Mary becomes a special instrument in the hand of God. Mary has a very unique and specific role to play in the salvation history. Mary is asked to put her freedom and her whole person at the service of God and His plans. The difference between Mary and us is not that Mary is chosen while we are not: But rather, it is that she fully consents to be chosen for her role while we remain hesitant and half-hearted in our responses to God. Like Mary, God invites each one of us during this holy season of Advent and addresses us, 'Rejoice, highly favoured for I have chosen you to live a holy and loving life'. Let us positively respond to this invitation of God as we prepare for the coming of the Lord Jesus at Christmas. 

"Mary, full of grace, conceived Jesus in her heart before she conceived Him in her womb. She was so attuned to the spiritual that the spiritual readily became physical within her." - St. Augustine