Twenty-sixth Sunday of the Year: B: September 29, 2024

 THE VIRTUE OF TOLERANCE                                                ('He who is not against us is for us')

First Reading: Numbers 11: 25 to 29

Second Reading: James 5: 1 to 6

Gospel Reading: Mark 9: 38 to 43 and 45 to 48

   *First reading is from the book of Numbers. The Spirit of the Lord God descends on seventy elders of Israel. They are empowered to prophesy. However, two men who are not in that group - Elad and Medad - too receive the gift and they too are able to prophecy. Joshua who is ministering to Moses is upset and he wants Moses to forbid these two men from prophesying. But Moses is tolerant and tells Joshua that it is not right to be jealous of God's gifts. He takes a more positive and tolerant approach and says, "If only all the Lord's people are prophets that the Lord God would put His Spirit upon them."

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. James. The Apostle warns everyone that our ill-gotten wealth gained by oppressing labourers and harvesters will be an evidence against us before the Lord. He further elaborates and says that everyone who lives in luxury and pleasure will be answerable if they do not share their wealth with the poor and the needy. Hence, the Apostle's message contains a strong condemnation of wealth, especially when it is accumulated through the exploitation of the weak and the poor. 

'He who is not against us is with us'                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. In the first part of the Gospel, Jesus explains to His disciples the need for tolerance and respect of other people who differ from us. John, one of the twelve Apostles, tells Jesus about a man who is casting out demons in the name of Jesus and that he had forbidden this man because he is not a follower of the Lord. Instead of backing up John's efforts to stop this man, Jesus seems to approve of such people working miracles in His name. After listening to John, Jesus expresses His concern about John's action. He corrects him and tells him: "He who is not against us is with us." Hence, Jesus takes a more positive and tolerant view that instead of discouraging such persons and such actions, they should be encouraged. Through this intervention, Jesus gives a very important lesson for all of us who believe in the Lord. We should positively encourage all those who do good in the world around us, no matter whether they belong to our community/ ethnic group or they belong to different faiths. We should be open to the working of the Spirit of God and recognize the works of God done through such people. In this context it may be good to realize that faith in Jesus and healings done in the powerful name of the Lord, are not merely restricted to those who follow Him physically. In the second part of today's Gospel, Jesus severely warns that anyone who leads the little ones to sin will be severely punished. Crimes against children are on the rise. Jesus further adds that even if an essential organ of our body like the eye or the hand is a cause of sin, we should not hesitate to get rid of it rather than face eternal punishment. In the context of today's Gospel, the Second Vatican council says: "On our part there must be no pride or arrogance, no contempt or lack of reverence for people of different beliefs." The following anonymous quote is pertinent here: "The love of one's country is a natural thing. But why should we stop at the border?" May the Lord Jesus who healed the Centurion's servant and healed the daughter of the Canaanite woman, and expressed His tolerance to people of other faiths, bless you and inspire you all to be truly kind and tolerant to people of other religious traditions. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph" on Google search. Thanks.) 

Twenty-fifth Sunday of the Year: B: September 22, 2024

      THE TRUE GREATNESS OF A PERSON

First Reading: Wisdom 2: 12 and 17-20

Second Reading: James 3: 16 to 4: 3

Gospel Reading: Mark 9: 30-37

   *First reading is from the book of Wisdom. A detailed explanation about the evil designs of the godless who plot against the righteous and the upright people is given. The just person is inconvenient to them because he/she stands against their evil plans. So they want to do away with him/her by deceit and cunning ways.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. James. The Apostle elaborates the causes of division and fights, whether it is within a family, within a community or between nations. Jealousy, ambition and selfishness lead people to do vile practices. It leads to disharmony and constant fighting. But we should always strive for wisdom from above which is pure and peaceable. It brings good fruits in our lives.  

Who is the greatest?                                                         Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A sharp difference in perception between Jesus and His disciples is observed in their discussions. After Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah - the anointed one of God - Jesus explains to them that the Messiah has to suffer bitter humiliation and die an ignominious death. The disciples totally reject such and idea. They are more concerned about who is the greatest among them. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus explains to them about  true greatness in His kingdom. His kingdom is not about seeking honour and glory. It is about serving others. It is not about sitting on high chairs and soft seats, with others bowing and kneeling before them. It is about being down on the knees with a basin of water in one hand and a towel  in the other, washing the feet of 'the little ones'. He tells them: "Whoever wants to be first among you has to be the last of all and be the servant of all." Hence for Jesus, true greatness is in serving others. Maybe many of us are like the disciples of Jesus and we often measure greatness according to the standards of the world: Position, power and wealth. We often fail to accept and appreciate true greatness according to the standards of the Lord. Today Jesus is inviting us to be part of His kingdom by being at the service of the nobody's of the world. Jesus has given us the great example of washing the feet of His Apostles and sharing His own body and blood with us - mere mortals. Christ not only urges us to do this, but also He gives His example. He gives His very life for others. No one can do greater than that. Many saints - holy men and women - have followed this teaching of Jesus in their lives. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and St. Francis of Assisi are prime examples of serving the poorest of the poor. They have shown us through their exemplary lives how to be truly great in the kingdom of God through their selfless and dedicated service. Now it is our turn to accept Jesus' invitation to achieve true greatness through our service to the fellow beings. May the Lord Jesus who through His humble service has shown us how to serve and not to be served, bless all of you and inspire you to do same in your lives and become truly great. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph" on Google search. Thanks.)

Twenty-fourth Sunday of the Year: B: September 15, 2024

THE TRUE IDENTITY OF JESUS ('Who do you say that I am?')

First Reading: Isaiah 50: 5-9

Second Reading: James 2: 14-18

Gospel Reading: Mark 8: 27-35

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. The sufferings and the rejection experienced by Prophet Isaiah from the people of Israel are narrated. Many people try to disgrace him and harm him on various occasions, but he firmly trusts in the Lord God. He will not be harmed in any way because the Lord God vindicates him and protects him. Prophet Isaiah's rejection and sufferings are an allusion to the suffering servant (Jesus) of the Lord God. Further, Isaiah tells us how to recognize the Messiah. In spite of his many sufferings, the Messiah will be the one who will not turn back from his course. Instead, he will set his face like flint and go on to achieve his purpose.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. James. The Apostle exhorts the Christian community that faith in itself is of no use if it is not accompanied by concrete actions. He gives the specific example of a person who is hungry and that of another who has no clothing. It is not enough to tell the hungry person, 'be filled' or the other, 'be warmed' without making any effort to give food or clothing to the needy. Hence, our faith should lead us to appropriate actions. A faith that does not lead to works of love -such as kindness, compassion, forgiveness - is indeed useless and dead. In this context St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: 'If we believe, we will love. If we love, we will serve.'

"You are the Christ: The Messiah" (The confession of St. Peter)                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. During His discussion with His disciples, Jesus gives us some important clarifications about Himself and His divine mission. On His way to the village, Caesarea Philippi, Jesus puts two important questions to His disciples. First: "Who do men say that I am?" The disciples give various answers: Some say, John the Baptist, others say, Elijah or one of the ancient prophets etc. Then Jesus puts a very personal question to them. "Who do you say that I am?" Immediately, St. Peter confesses: 'You are the Christ- the Messiah, the anointed one of God.' Subsequently, Jesus tries to explain to them the significance of being the Messiah or the Christ. He tells them plainly that He has to suffer much and finally die. The disciples do not comprehend or appreciate such an answer from their Master. Hence, they vehemently protest saying: Such a thing should never happen. Jesus patiently explains to them: to be His disciple would mean that anyone who follows Him, must take up his cross daily and follow Him. And whoever wants to be first has to be the servant of all. This is a total reversal of values in the kingdom of Jesus. Probably not only the disciples but we too often fail to understand the values of Jesus. Jesus is putting the very same question to each one of us. Each of us has to make a personal decision regarding who Jesus is for him/her. To be a part of Jesus' life would mean that we have to die to our selfishness, pride , desire for power and positions in all its forms in our daily lives. Jesus had to lose His life and die to enter into the glory by rising from the dead. May the Lord Jesus who took up the cross and died for us strengthen us in our daily trials and crosses that we too may receive the eternal reward promised by Him. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph" on Google search. Thanks.)

Twenty-third Sunday of the Year: B: September 8, 2024 & Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

            JESUS THE DIVINE HEALER

First Reading: Isaiah 35: 4-7

Second Reading: James 2: 1-5

Gospel Reading: Mark 7: 31-37

Every year on September 8, the Church celebrates the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our heavenly mother. Let us specially pray to our blessed mother that we may be guided by her and experience her heavenly protection in our daily lives.

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about the future happenings that will take place by the power of the Lord God. The Prophet urges those who are losing heart to take courage, for the Lord God is coming to vindicate and save His people. He assures the people of Israel that the Lord God will save His people from various problems they face. He tells them that the blind, the deaf, the lame and the dumb will be healed by the power of the Lord God. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfilment in Jesus, the Son of God. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. James. The Apostle exhorts the members of the Christian community not to be partial to anyone because one is rich or poor. Class distinction has no place among  Christians. He reminds us that the earthly riches or powerful positions in the society are no criterion for any distinctions in the community. Because all are equal before God. 

"He even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak."                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A detailed description of how Jesus heals a deaf and dumb man is narrated. During His public ministry, Jesus healed many who were sick and those suffering from various infirmities. One such incident is narrated today. A deaf and dumb man is brought to Jesus by some people. Jesus takes him aside to a secluded place and puts His finger into the man's ears. Then He touches the man's tongue with spittle. Jesus then commands,"Ephphatha", which means 'be opened'. Immediately a miracle takes place: The deaf and dumb man is healed by Jesus and he is able to hear clearly and speak fluently. Faculties of hearing and speech are gifts of God. Jesus feels compassion for this unfortunate man who lacked these faculties. By His words and actions Jesus restores those lost faculties and makes him whole. Now it is our turn to realize that Jesus is able to restore all our lost powers, unused and unrecognized talents once we put our trust in the Lord. The touch of the divine healer continues to transform our lives once we totally put our trust in the Lord. Further, by our actions and prayers, we can bring hope and solace to those people who are suffering from various physical and mental ailments and challenges. Jesus not only touches the ears and tongue but He touches the hearts of everyone of us. Jesus invites us to continue His work in our lives. Further, Jesus not only touches us with His divine hands but also uses our human hands to touch others: To sustain the fatherless and the widow, protect the stranger and raise up those bowed down with various challenges in life. In this context Biblical resources say: "At our baptism we were all touched on the ear and mouth. In this way we are in the story and are invited to see ourselves in the man who was cured." St. Teresa of Avila mentions: "I alone cannot do anything. Jesus alone will not do anything. Jesus and I do everything." May the Lord Jesus, who healed the deaf and dumb man and brought wholeness to the unfortunate man, bring His healing touch in the lives of everyone of you and bring wholeness in your lives. May the Blessed Mother accompany you in times of challenging situations in your lives. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph" on Google search. Thanks.)

Twenty-second Sunday of the Year: B: September 1, 2024

 TRUE OBSERVANCE OF THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD (mere lip service is worthless)

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4: 1-2 and 6-8

Second Reading: James 1: 17-18 and 21-22

Gospel Reading: Mark 7: 1-8 and 14-15 &21-23

   *First reading is from the book of Deuteronomy. Moses exhorts the chosen people to follow the statutes and ordinances of the Lord God and keep His commandments in letter and spirit. They are warned not to add anything or deduct anything from them. As a wise and understanding people, they are to observe them meticulously. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. James. James reminds us that God can be loved and served only by our love for fellow humans: Especially by serving the poor, the orphans, the widows and the needy. He instructs us that we ought to be doers of the word and not merely hearers. By this, we will be doing the will of God. Hence, it is not enough to listen to the word of God. We must put it into practice in our daily lives. 

"You leave the commandments of God and hold fast to traditions."                                 Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. Jesus confronts the Pharisees and the Scribes who accuse His disciples of not observing the traditions and practices of the Jews. This happens in the context of disciples of Jesus eating food without washing their hands as the prevalent Jewish custom demanded. According to their traditions, Jews are expected to wash their hands before eating any food. Jesus explains to them that what really make us impure is not what we eat or what we drink - that which goes into the stomach - but rather, what comes out of our heart: Evil thoughts, desires, fornication, theft, murder and adultery. Hence, Jesus invites us to have a close look at our set practices and traditions; whether they are helping us to have a better relationship with God and other humans. He wants us to have a true conversion of heart which leads to true faith and genuine God-experience. Let us not waste our precious lives in trivial matters but rather give due importance to essential principles of life. It is not enough to do lip service to God and fellow humans but rather, we must serve the fellow humans by concrete actions which come from our heart (cf. James Chapter 1). If all we do is listen to the word without letting it penetrate our hearts and move us to action, then we are no better than the Pharisees and the Scribes. Today Jesus invites us and urges us to consider how we keep the commandments of God. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "Serving the poor is serving God." Mahatma Gandhi on one occasion said: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." In this context Fr. F. McCarthy says: "It is the heart that matters. It is not clean fingernails or clean teeth or a clean skin that makes a person clean in the sight of God. To be truly clean is to be clean of heart." May the Lord Jesus bless everyone of you and help you to come out of a life of lip service to that of God and humans and step out with your whole heart into what you do for God and other humans. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph." on Google search. Thanks.)

Twenty-first Sunday of the Year: B: August 25, 2024

 LORD, YOU HAVE THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE

First Reading: Joshua 24: 1-2 and 15-18

Second Reading: Ephesians 5: 21-32

Gospel Reading: John 6: 60-69

   *First reading is from the book of Joshua. Before his death, Prophet Joshua asks the people of Israel to decide whether to serve the Lord their God or serve other gods. The chosen people affirm their deep faith in the Lord God who liberated them from the slavery of Egypt and who in the past did many great signs and wonders in their midst. They commit their lives in the service of the Lord God.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul speaks about the need of mutual love and respect between husband and wife. He compares this relationship to the love of Christ for the Church. As members of His body, we are constantly being nourished by Christ. In the same way, husband and wife should nourish each other in love.

Will you also go away?                                                   Today's Gospel reading is from St. John, Chapter 6. After the miracle of multiplication of loaves, Jesus gives an elaborate instruction about the living bread (Eucharist). Jesus firmly tells them that unless they eat His body and drink His blood, they will not have life. They take this teaching literally and many of them could not accept such a teaching. As a result, many who followed Jesus till that day gradually leave Him and no longer follow Him. Seeing this negative reaction of  some of His followers, Jesus puts a very challenging question to the twelve Apostles: "Will you also go away?" Peter's response is immediate. He gives a most reassuring and very important answer which re-affirms the need to stick to Jesus and His teachings. He responds by saying: "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." Peter and other Apostles come out of this challenging situation and commit their lives to the Lord. In our moments of doubts and confusion, let us be assured that it is not the Lord who leaves us but often we who leave Him. Right from the days of Jesus, till today, the teaching of Jesus on Eucharist continues to be a dividing force among the believers. Even today, many of the followers of Christ are unable to accept it and those who accept it are often unworthy to receive it. This is expressed by St. Paul in his first letter to Corinthians: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? We who are many are one body for we all partake of the one bread." (1Corinthians 10: 16-17) Prophet Joshua in the Old Testament and the Apostles in the New Testament make a commitment to follow the Lord. They are ready to make sacrifices to carry out their promises. If our commitment is to the Lord, and it has any meaning, we must respond to a crisis with determination, creativity and generosity as Peter and other Apostles did in a crisis situation. Now it is our turn to tell the Lord: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." May the Lord Jesus, who alone can give eternal life, give you the grace to stay with Him always. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. " YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph" on Google search. Thanks.)

Twentieth Sunday of the Year: B: August 18, 2024

      JESUS THE GIVER OF ETERNAL LIFE

First Reading: Proverbs 9: 1-6

Second Reading: Ephesians 5: 15-20

Gospel Reading: John 6: 51-58

   *First reading is from the book of Proverbs. Wisdom is personified as a great Lady who has built herself a great mansion. Wisdom invites everyone who is open-minded to take part in the banquet given by her. Wisdom teaches people to walk in the way of insight. It exhorts us to turn aside from the ways of foolishness and turn to the ways of wisdom. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul urges the Christian community at Ephesus to live according to the Christian wisdom they received. He asks them not to be foolish and live unworthy ways but rather be filled with the Holy Spirit and to live always with hearts grateful  to the Lord.  A wise Christian will make the most of the present time, being always alert to the will of God and shaping life accordingly. 

Jesus the Living Bread: A promise of eternal life                                              Today's Gospel is from St. John, Chapter 6. Jesus gives an elaborate teaching on the living bread, the Holy Eucharist. This teaching of Jesus is rather extraordinary and not so easily understood by people at large. For a Jew to eat the body and drink the blood of a person is unthinkable and totally repugnant. Hence, when Jesus tells them that: "The bread which I shall give for the life of the world, is my flesh", many of them protest saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" This teaching of the real presence of the Lord in the Eucharist is culminated at the Last Supper, where Jesus says to the disciples, "This is my body... this is my blood given for you." It is extremely difficult to accept this teaching for an ordinary person except with deep faith in the Lord. But for a true follower of the Lord, there is no option but to accept that Jesus is really and truly present in the Eucharistic bread. Jesus clarifies by saying: "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you." (John 6: 53) Hence, by partaking in the Eucharistic meal, a true believer is in communion with the Lord. The early Christian community understood the depth of this teaching of Jesus. Hence, St. John specifically elaborates this teaching in the sixth chapter of his Gospel. Let us try to appreciate this self-gift of the Lord Jesus and accept that He is truly present in the Eucharistic bread. What Jesus gives in the Eucharist is not an illusion. It is real food and real drink. What Jesus gives is not something superficial. It is His own body and His own blood. What Jesus gives is not a temporary gratification. It is a life that will last for ever. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says about the Eucharist: "In the Eucharist I receive the spiritual food which sustains me in all my labours. Without it I could not get through one single day or hour of my life." May the Lord Jesus, who gives His body and blood to us through the bread and wine we share, bless you all abundantly and give you eternal life as the Lord promised. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph" on Google search. Thanks.)