Saturday, July 31, 2021
Bible Reflections I 01.08.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - Ex. 16: 2-4, 12-15
II - Eph. 4: 17, 20-24
III - Mk. 6: 24-35
GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD
In the first reading, through Moses the liberator, God feeds the people of Israel with manna, the earthly bread from heaven, who were on their journey to the promised land. Through Jesus, the New Moses, the liberator from sin and slavery, God feeds the people of New Israel with the Word of God and the Word made flesh, the heavenly bread form heaven to strengthen them on their journey to the paradise. Therefore as St. Paul exhorts in the second reading, we have to give up the old way of life and put on the new self in God’s way, in the goodness and holiness of truth.
There are two types of people with two types of hunger. One, eat to satisfy their stomach hunger and the other to satisfy their mouth hunger with variety of textures and tastes. There are also two types of people with two types of spiritual hunger. One, wish to satisfy their mere emotional requirements and the other wish to satisfy their real spiritual requirements in order to become worthy children of God befitting the Kingdom of God in all goodness, truth and holiness. In the ‘Our Father’ Jesus has taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread”. In ‘daily bread’ Jesus connotes the bread to satisfy basic stomach hunger; and the Word of God and the Ecucharist that satisfy our spiritual hunger. Sound mind in a sound body.
When we are physically strong, we can also strive strongly nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist in the process of becoming Christ like that is the ultimate goal of every baptised Christian so that along with St. Paul we too can courageously one day say, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). Let us in the silence of our mind and heart keep repeating this prayer: “Lord, give us this day our daily bread”.
Friday, July 30, 2021
Bible Reflections I 31.07.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - Lev. 25: 1, 8-17,
II - Mt. 13: 54-58
St. Ignatius of Loyola (Memoria)
ATTENTIVE LISTENER AND ACTIVE ACCOMPLISHER
God chooses his predilects, empowers them with His words, and commissions them for a purpose, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant” (Jer. 1:9-10), with an assurance of His support and accompaniment “Fear not I am with you” (Is. 41:10). Therefore His chosen ones cannot but speak the truth as we read in Jeremiah, “I say, ‘I will not mention Him, or speak anymore in His name……..I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot’”. In the Gospel passage today, John the Baptist courageously admonishes the unlawful act of King Herod, living with his brother’s wife. His words were powerful, piercing, disturbing and deterring both Herod and Herodias. Herodias plotted so well that she had the head of John the Baptist on the platter through her daughter.
We are children of God who wishes that all of us be saved. Whenever we are astray, God calls us back on the right the right track through the Scripture, conscience, persons, signs and events. His voice is never compromising or appealing or pacifying but disturbing, contradicting, challenging and conquering. We have only two options before us, either to give heed and align our ways and inherit eternal life or rationalize and reject his words and impend for eternal destruction. Today we remember St. Ignatius of Loyola, the great soldier who disturbed by the word of God, gave up everything to become the servant of the King of Kings.
If God chooses us to be His mouth piece, let us courageously do so with no fear of people who can kill the body but are unable to kill the soul (Mat. 10:28), like St. John the Baptist who dared to point the unlawful act of the king and St. Ignatius of Loyola who shattered the worldly dreams of St. Francis Xavier with, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, but lose his soul?” Let us be both attentive listeners and active accomplishers of the Word of God.
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Bible Reflections I 30.07.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Lev. 23: 1,4-11,
15-16,27,34-37
II - Mt. 13: 54-58
INCLUDE ALL, EXCLUDE NONE
Today’s Gospel passage is about the rejection of Jesus at Nazareth, his hometown. Prejudice prevented the people of Nazareth from accepting the wisdom of Jesus and his deeds of divine power. A deliberate rejection just because Jesus was a carpenter’s son and Mary, his mother was a simple and insignificant woman of Nazareth. They did not have a great or a renowned background. Therefore the people willfully refused to reckon to the truth. Pride became their pitfall of faith and truth. Ultimately, their unbelief prevented Jesus from performing many deeds of power with them. In their prejudice and pride they became the losers.
Prejudice pollutes, pride prevents, anger avenges, jealousy jeopardises from accepting and rejoicing at the talents, goodness and the gifts of the other. With these attitudes we may tend to evaluate the background and eliminate, analyse the status and avoid, mount with criticism and marginalise and in the end hunt for reasons to reject and discard people. In this bargain we become the losers like those people of Nazareth who willfully missed Jesus, the Messiah for whom they so long waited.
We have to go beyond our likes and dislikes to behold the persons as they are and to savour the blessings that each one bring with them. Let us surpass all stereo typed settings in our mind and with a magnanimity of mind and heart accept persons as they are and all for the glory of God. Keep repeating this prayer as often as possible in the silence of heart praying: “Lord Jesus, help to accept everyone”
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Bible Reflections I 29.07.2021- Thursday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - Ex. 40: 16-21, 34-38
II - Jn. 11: 19-27
St. Martha (Memoria)
JESUS, A FRIEND FOREVER
“Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth” (Sir. 6: 15) and “whoever finds one finds a treasure” (Sir. 6:14b). Everyone tends to seek their friend at all times of their life viz. ups and downs, fear and anxiety, happiness and sorrow, joy and pain. Today the Church remembers St. Martha, the friend of Jesus and sister of Mary and Lazarus. Jesus, as their friend, besides being a guest, sharing their hospitality, love and joy goes to Bethany to share the suffering of the bereaved friends at the loss of their brother Lazarus. Martha and Mary would have definitely thought of Jesus as we read in the Gospel passage today, as Martha says, “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died” and affirms her trust saying, “But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of Him” and so was it done to her.
Loyalty, fidelity and faithfulness are the vaning concepts of the current consumeristic reality. Almost all relationship today are either utility based or highly self-centered. In the trending world of change and impermanency God’s love alone is strong and constant as the Scripture says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3). Jesus is the all-time friend forever as the lyrics of Joseph Scriven’s hymn, “what friend we have in Jesus” goes.
All we need to do is to get connected with Jesus through our prayer. In times of grief, pain, trials, temptations, discouragement, betrayal, sorrows and weakness, turn to Jesus, an understanding friend closer to us than the very air we breathe. Let us resolve to accept the forever friendship of Jesus as we celebrate the feast day of his friend Martha who served him with much love and care.
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Bible Reflections I 28.07.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I
Readings: I - Ex. 34: 29-35
II - Mt. 13: 44-46
St. Alphonsa (Memoria)
ENCOUNTER TO EXCELL
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (Jh. 16:4), is the treasure and the precious pearl of which the Gospel passage portrays today. The one who discovers Jesus will be ready to rid anything and everything for Him and Him alone. Matthew, the tax collector, with a look and the encounter of Jesus, “Follow me” (Mt. 9:9), gave up everything and followed Jesus. Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, and the greedy fellow after befriending Jesus, was ready to give up half of his possession to the poor and to pay back four times to the persons whomever he had defrauded (Lk. 19:1-10). The Samaritan woman dared not to look at people, so she choose the noon time when none would be present, to fetch the water from the well. After the long self-revealing conversation of Jesus, she left her water jar at the well and ran with joy into the city to announce to the people about the Messiah (Jh. 4: 4-42). The adulterous woman caught in the very act of committing adultery was so much taken up by the compassion, mercy and gentleness of Jesus in his words, “Neither do I condemn you”. She was so much captivated by Jesus, that she gave up her sinful living and followed him courageously till the cross (Jh. 8: 1-11). Saul, the fanatic Jew, became Paul after his encounter with Jesus was transformed (Acts. 9:1-19) to be a vehement preacher and faithful follower of Jesus and the pillar of the Church that he once persecuted.
St. Francis of Assisi, the rich noble young man gave up all his wealth to the extent of stripping himself off and to be a mendicant, all to possess Jesus and Jesus alone. St. Ignatius of Loyola, the one time the womanizer, gambler and the great soldier, when injured was given the book titled ‘The life of Christ’ that gave a complete U-turn in his life. He discovered Jesus there, gave up everything even his old way of living and became a saint and a servant to the King of kings. St. Francis Xavier who went to pursue his university studies at the college of Sainte-Barbe, Paris was captivated so much by the words of St. Ignatius from the Bible, “What will it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit their life” (Mk. 8:36) that he committed himself to promote Jesus the great treasure and a priceless peal to the poor souls that knew not Christ.
We celebrate the feast of St. Alphonsa, of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation and the first India woman saint who was ready to give up anything to follow Christ, even her beauty and burnt her one leg in the fire pit. She joyfully endured all her suffering for the love of the Lord because she had discovered the great treasure and the priceless pearl in the person of Jesus Christ.
In the light of the life of these personalities let us examine our lives: Have I encountered the Lord in my life? What have I given up to possess this great treasure and the precious pearl? Am I on the right track that the Lord has left for me, the path of love, unity, fraternity and justice? May our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to seek you as the greatest treasure and the precious pearl”
Monday, July 26, 2021
Bible Reflections I 27.07.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - Ex. 33: 1-11, 34: 5-9,28 II - Mt. 13: 36-42
STAY CONNECTED, STAY SAVED
In the Gospel passage today, Jesus explains the parable of the wheat and the weeds to his disciples. God sows the good seeds, the wheat and the evil one sows the weeds. One becomes good or bad in the choice he/she makes. At the end of time, the good will be gathered for the blissful life eternal and the evil ones with be gathered and thrown into the fiery furnace.
Take a glass of coloured water and keep filling with good water into it. At one point all colour water vanishes with the overflowing, leaving the glass filled with clear good water. Similarly allow the grace of God to overflow even in the most insignificant choices. This calls for discernment. Discernment is making the right choice between the two, the good and the evil, the wheat and the weed. To distinguish and discern rightly, stay connected with God as did Moses in the second reading. We read, “The Lord used to speak to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Ex. 36: 11). It may or may not be so with us. But He does speak to us gently but powerfully through our conscience and the Word of God; in prayer and through persons. Let us attune ourselves to listen to His voice and courageously keep choosing the good again and again, combating and conquering the evil that constantly creep in. It is a continuous struggle or rather a continuous warfare until our last breath. We can definitely be victorious and be saved for life eternal if we stay connected with God in prayer. May our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Lord, help me to stay connected with you”.
Sunday, July 25, 2021
Bible Reflections I 26.07.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - Sir. 44: 1,8,10-15
II - Mt. 13: 16-17
St. Joachim and St. Anne (Memoria)
Grandparents’ Day
CELEBRATE YOUR GRANDPARENTS
According to the first reading of the day, some ancestors are hailed and honoured because they were godly men and women filled with wisdom and surpassed in their righteous deeds. They leave behind their faithfulness to God and righteousness as their inheritance to their descendants. Today the Church gratefully remembers and celebrates St. Joachim and St. Anne, the parents of our Blessed Mother Mary and the grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is also celebrated as Grandparents’ Day. St. Joachim and St. Anne in their faithfulness to God and through their righteous deeds were chosen to be the parents of the Mother of God. If Mother Mary is blessed among all women, blessed too should have been the parents who brought her up to the extent of finding favour in the eyes of the Lord befitting to bring forth the long awaited Messiah into the world.
We are living in a painful reality of children discarding their own parents in old age homes or abandoning them to the caretakers confining them within the four walls of a room in the house or still to the worse, some are so cruel that they chase them out of their homes without giving a second thought of their sustenance or maintenance at that age. If the plight of the parents themselves are such, then it becomes even unthinkable of the grandparents who are old and dependents. The wealth, honour, glory and pride that are beheld are the inheritance from their ancestors; and this can neither be denied nor argued against.
There are still others in the world who are grateful to their parents, treat them with dignity and respect; and revere their grandparents in kindness and love. Honouring the parents begets the blessings of the Lord (Ex. 20:12) for the Scripture exhorts and promises, “Honour your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you (Deu 5:16). Respecting parents therefore is the command of the Lord (Lev. 19:3) that ultimately results in respecting the grandparents as well.
No one is going to remain young forever. Aging is the natural norm of existence. So we sow so we reap. So we treat our parents and grandparents so we’ll also be treated by our children and children’s children. “Grandparents have the crowning glory of life: grandchildren. And it’s only proper for children to take pride in their parents” (Pro. 17:6). May this Grandparents’ Day help us to examine: Am the crowning glory of my grandparents? Let us in a special way today, express our love and affection towards our grandparents through our acts of kindness and gestures of love.
Saturday, July 24, 2021
Bible Reflections I 25.07.2021- Sunday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - 2 Kings 4: 42-44
II - Eph. 4: 1-6
III - Jn. 6: 1-15
FROM EMPATHY TO EMANCIPATION
There are two categories of people, one, empathise and evade and the second, empathise and emancipate. The first category of people will sense, grasp and understand the situation but evade concretely responding to the situation. The second category of people not only sense, grasp and understand the situation but involve and act responsibly to combat and conquer the situation. Prophet Elijah in the first reading and Jesus the Prophet par excellence in the second reading belong to the second category of people. The crowds neither expressed their hunger not asked for bread. Moved with compassion and with the grace of God they were able to share twenty loaves and; five loaves and two fish respectively to their crowds with some left over as well. Elijah and Jesus never stopped with being compassionate, they moved from mere empathy to emancipation, relieving the crowds from their hunger, solely because of the awareness of the truth that they are the children of one God and the Father.
In the second reading, St. Paul in his letter to the Church at Ephesus exhorts the Christians to lead a life worthy of calling, holding fast to one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. We affirm this in our loving, caring, understanding, sharing and forbearing that results in compassion and empathy. God blesses every one of our step and effort towards liberation of the suffering humanity and sides us in emancipating the victim of suffering. Let us dare to fall into the second category of people though it is demanding, for that is the way of the Lord. When we go beyond empathy and try to emancipate the other we too become Prophet Elijah and Lord Jesus in the midst of the suffering humanity. May our mind resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus lead me from mere empathy to emancipation”.
Friday, July 23, 2021
Bible Reflections I 24.07.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I
Readings: I - Ex. 24: 3-8
II - Mt. 13: 24-30
CHOOSE LIFE, CHOOSE BLESSINGS
The Gospel passage in on the parable of the weeds among the wheat. God sows the wheat, the values befitting the Kingdom and the evil one sows the weeds, the vices that lead to destruction. God allows both the wheat and the weeds to grow together until the day of harvest and at the time of harvest, the weeds are bundled and burnt; and the wheat is gathered in the barn.
We are free children of God. He does not impose anything upon us but gives us the choice with an instruction, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live (Deu. 30: 19). God sows the seeds of values of the Kingdom viz. the fear of God, love, peace, joy, happiness, kindness, gentleness, forbearance, tolerance, unity and forgiveness. The evil one sows the seeds of vices viz. hatred, jealousy, division, arrogance, avarice, selfishness, pride, anger, greed and envy. If we choose the values of the Kingdom we will be gathered for life eternal or otherwise we will be doomed to be eternally destroyed.
The Scripture says, “The word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe” (Deu. 30:14). Let us base our lives upon the Word of God that come to us in various ways and through various persons and above all instructs and inspires from within our hearts. May our point of reference ever be the Word of God. God is patience for He is “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ex. 34:6). As the epistle of St. Peter connote may we “think of our Lord’s patience as an opportunity for us to be saved” (2 Peter 3:15) and strive hard to align our lives unto the Law of the Lord. Choosing to behold a bliss or otherwise is our choice. Let us choose life and choose God’s blessings.
Thursday, July 22, 2021
Bible Reflections I 23.07.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - Ex. 20: 1-17
II - Mt. 13: 18-33
CONVICTION ENSURES CREDIBILITY
Today’s Gospel passage delves on the parable of the sower. Jesus explains the parable of the sower to the crowds that followed him. After the explanation of Jesus, the receivers of the Word of God can be categorised under 4Cs viz. the Careless, the Cowardly, the Conceited and the Convinced. Those seeds that fell on the road side can be compared to the Careless people. They are quick to listen to the Word of God and quick too to forget without any understanding. Those seeds that fell on the rocky ground can be compared to the cowardly people. They listen and understand the Word of God but on account of any inconvenience or trouble or persecution, they give up actualising the same.
The seeds that fell among the thorns can be compared to the conceited people. They listen and understand the Word of God but are easily lured by the wealth, fame and name that belong to the world. Finally, those seeds that fell on the good soil can be compared to the convinced people, who listen, understand and align their life according to the Word of God. They are the credible witness of Jesus and they, united in the Lord, bear fruit in abundance (Jh. 15:5). Who am I among the 4Cs?
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Bible Reflections I 22.07.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna
Readings:
I - Song of Songs 3: 1-4
II - Jn. 20:1-2, 11-18.
LOVE THAT ENCOUNTERS, ENCOURAGES AND EMPOWERS
(Feast of St. Mary Magdalene)
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, the passionate follower and ardent disciple of Jesus and the one time adulteress woman. In the feast of St. Mary Magdalene we celebrate the caring and credible love of Jesus that is so powerful, benevolent and emancipating. The three E’s that transformed the life of Mary of Magdala are: Encounter, Encouragement and Empowerment. Jesus Encounters Mary Magdalene when the drudgerous crowd drags her to Jesus for punishment. Jesus saves her from the clutches of the self-righteous menfolk saying, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her”. When everyone leaves without stoning, Jesus Encourages her saying, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again” (Jh. 8:11) and thereby infuses in her the life assuring hope and an absolute feeling of being forgiven. Finally Jesus Empowers her making her the witness of his resurrection. Witness of women wear out to be no witness at all in the male dominated patriarchal society of the Jews. Jesus counteracts this culture and appears first to Mary Magdalene and makes her the witness of his resurrection for great was her love for Jesus, her Lord, Master and Teacher. In the Gospel passage today, Jesus just calls her “Mary” and instantly she responds saying “Rabbouni” unlike his disciples who had long conversation with Jesus on their way to Emmaus and yet failed to recognise Jesus until he broke the bread with them (Lk. 24: 13-35).
In the world of today, where love is downsized to mere utility and payback policy, we as Christians, are called to reflect this love of Jesus that is liberating, empowering, enriching, encouraging, healing and forgiving. In this way we can like Jesus touch and transform the lives of people around us. With our little acts of charity we can win the whole world for Jesus. May the Feast of Mary Magdalene make us like her the witnesses of the love of Jesus allowing ourselves to be encountered, encouraged and empowered by the love of Jesus our Lord and our Master. In the silence of our hearts let us keep repeating, “Lord Jesus, make me a witness of your love”.
Bible Reflections I 21.07.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna
Readings:
I - Ex. 16: 1-5, 9-15
II - Mt. 13: 1-9
LISTEN TO LIVE
Today’s Gospel passage is on the parable of the sower. Great crowd gathered to listen to Jesus and he told them this parable to provoke them to check their disposition of mind and heart in giving heed to the Word of God. The seeds that fell on the path were eaten up by the bird, those that fell on the rocky ground withered with the sun, those that fell among the thorns were chocked and those that fell on the good soil brought forth grains.
There are four types of disposition of mind in listening to the Word of God. They can also be called as 4Ws viz. Wondering mind, Wavering mind, Wearied mind and Willful mind. The seeds fell on the path can be compared to the wondering mind that just wonder at the Word of God and the preaching of the same and forget thereafter about it. The rocky ground can be compared to the wavering mind that listens to the Word of God, tries to practice but fails with some distractions. The thorny bush can be compared to the weary mind that is exhausted and too full to listen to the Word of God and to actualize the same. The good soil can be compared to the willful mind that listens intently to the Word of God with the resolve to stand by it come what may and become authentic followers of Jesus and credible Christians. Let us not listen to leave but listen to live the Word of God. In the silence of hearts keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, give me a wilful heart to stand by your Words”
Sunday, July 18, 2021
Bible Reflections I 19.07.2021- Monday I Indraya Manna I
Readings: I - Ex. 14: 5-18
II - Mt. 12: 38-42
OPEN UP TO THE GRACE OF GOD
In the letter to the Hebrews we read, “Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son” (Heb. 1:1-2). The Scribes and the Pharisees refused to accept Jesus as the Son of God though all prophesies were fulfilled in His coming. It was a willful neglect and they asked for a sign to believe in Him. Jesus gave no sign to them instead said that on the day of judgment people of Nineveh and the queen of Sheba would rise up and condemn them. The people of Nineveh believed in the prophesy of Prophet Jonah; and the people of Nineveh and the animals alike fasted and covered themselves with ashes as a sign of repentance and turned from their evil ways. The queen of Sheba came from afar to testify and to listen to the Wisdom of Solomon. Jesus was the Son of God and Wisdom himself, but in their pride and arrogance of heart, the Scribes and Pharisees refused to behold, recognise, acknowledge and accept Jesus.
Jesus praises the openness of mind and heart of the people of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba unlike the learned and the clever religious leaders of his time. A bottle cannot be filled in two cases viz. when it is closed tight with the lid and when the bottle is already too full. When we neglect to seek God we neglect to recognise His graces and blessings as well. Similarly, when we are too full of ourselves with self-righteousness, pride, selfishness, ego and arrogance the grace of God can not touch and transform us. Let us today ask God to help us to be open to His graces and blessings as His beloved children in our Lord Jesus Christ for a transformed witnessing life.
Saturday, July 17, 2021
Bible Reflections I 18.07.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna
Readings: I - Jer. 23:1-6
II - Eph. 2:13-18
III - Mk. 6: 30-34
BE A SHEPHERD
Jesus is the Good Shepherd par excellence sent by the Father to establish peace and to gather the scattered flock, unlike the ruthless, reckless and selfish shepherds, is the central theme of the three readings. The Gospel passage of the day evince the care, concern and compassion of Jesus towards his sheep, the specialty traits of the Good Shepherd. Jesus out of his care and concern, takes his tired and wearied disciples just returned from the ministry and were surrounded by the people and had no leisure even to eat, to the other side of the lake by a boat. The great crowd followed them on their foot and reached the other side for healing and hearing their preaching. Jesus was moved with compassion for they were like sheep without shepherd and he resumed his work with them.
Each of us are called to be a shepherd in our ways. Shepherds of our suffering and needy neighbour. According to Jesus anyone who is in need of our love, care, concern, support, help and understanding is our neighbour (Lk. 10:25-37). When we possess a heart that moves in compassion towards the helpless and the suffering, rejoices at the success and joys of the other, defends the rights and dignity of others, cares for comfort and consolation of others and concerns for the well-being and well-living of others, instead of being cold, indifferent, apathetic and negligent, then we are truly shepherds modelled after the heart of Jesus. In this way, we gather and do not scatter, we establish peace and thereby become credible Christians too making a difference in the society that is so cold, selfish and corrupt.
Friday, July 16, 2021
Bible Reflections I 17.07.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna
Readings: I - Ex. 12: 37-42
II - Mt. 12: 14-21
BE A SIGN OF HOPE
Jesus healed the sick, forgave sinners, cleansed the leaper, raised the dead, befriended the tax collectors, associated with the Samaritans, women and children, chased the demons, upbraided the pharisaic attitude of the religious leaders and kept alive the essence of the law that restored and fostered life. In nutshell, Jesus was the Good News and a sign of hope to all the poor, downtrodden, depressed, oppressed, neglected, and the marginalised of the society, fulfilling the prophesy of prophet Isaiah (Is. 42:1-4) mentioned in today’s Gospel passage. “Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him” (Acts. 10:38). He was unlike the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the scribes who were merely hypocrites. The life of Jesus was a constant disturbance and sign of contradiction to their religious belief and customary practices. It was solely for this reason that the Pharisees conspired against him and plotted ways and means to get rid of him.
Flipping through the pages of History, it is evident that those who stand up for what is right, just and humane, following the footsteps of Jesus are neglected, ostracised, tortured, persecuted and are finally martyred. The voice of the voiceless is silenced, the acts of the ambassadors of Christ is falsely accused, followers of gospel are fooled and the messengers of the Master par excellence, Jesus are martyred, still as Bishop Oscar Romero says, “If they kill me I will rise again in the people of El Salvador. A Bishop will die, but the Church of God, which is the people, will never perish”. Led by the Holy Spirit many too will rise in the name of Jesus until equality, freedom, fraternity and justice is established here on earth.
After the Gospel passage today, we as Christians have just two options before us: One, to courageously stand for the values of Jesus, come what may and the second, to withhold from conspiring against who bravely accomplish the task of Christ on the earth. In short, either to fight the battle ourselves or at least restrain from pulling down the spirit of these courageous warriors of Jesus through our false rumours, calumny, defamation, slander, misrepresentation and denigration. In either case, led by the spirit we will but reflect to be the children of God the Father and resolute followers of Jesus our Lord, remaining the sign of hope to the helpless. Let us in the silence of our heart today keep praying: “Lord Jesus, make me too a sign of hope like you”.
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Bible Reflections I 14.07.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna
Jesus glorifies and thanks the Father for His goodness, mercy and magnanimity in choosing these ‘no persons’ to reveal Jesus His Son as their Messiah which is the gracious will of the Father. The Gospel passage today does not condemn the learned, the intelligent or the persons of repute instead Jesus highlights on the disposition and openness of the heart in beholding the truth as it comes. In the ordinary walk of life, people wish for the truth that is appealing, pleasing, and convenient but never contradicting, combating or conflicting their perspectives and ideologies. People never desire for the truth that hurts and disturbs. Only those people who are open to the truth with the simplicity and humility of heart can be drawn by the gracious will of God to be His instruments, all for His greater glory. Let us yield ourselves unto to the truth as we encounter, for God is Truth.
Monday, July 12, 2021
Bible Reflections I 13.07.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna
Readings: I - Ex. 2: 1-15a
II - Mt. 11: 20-24
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
In the Gospel passage today, Jesus reproaches Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum because they failed to recognise the Messiah in their midst in spite of his healing, preaching, raising of the dead, deriving of he demons and forgiving the sinners. They had eyes but they did not see and they had ears but they did not hear (Mk. 8:18). Their hearts were hardened and they refused to recognise and resisted to repent, though their eyes beheld the Messiah unlike the cities viz. Tyre, Sidon and Sodom.
Often times we are similar to the cities Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. We are blessed with countless blessing. We had bee victorious in so many struggles, we can testify to a number of miracles we experienced in our lives, we can vouch for His presence that preserved, prevented and protected us from despair, depression, fear, discouragement, worries and anxieties, still at the crucial time of testing are we not tempted to cry out, “God where are you?”. Let us try to count our blessings at those moments just raise our hearts in thanksgiving confident that our God is “Immanuel” - God with us.
Sunday, July 11, 2021
Bible Reflections I 12.07.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna
Readings:
I - Ex. 1:8-14, 22
II - Mt. 10: 34-11:1
CHOOSE GOD AND CHOOSE LIFE ETERNAL
Jesus, the Promised One is the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6) but in today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword”. Siding for one is siding against the other. Good and bad, moral and amoral, virtues and vices can never coexist. Since the life and Teaching of Jesus counters and contradicts the principles of the World there is always tension, division and strife in the world because of Jesus and it would be continued even in the lives of those who wish to follow him. In this pursuit, the disciple of Jesus may have to be against their own parents, friends and beloved ones and lose their relationship. The one who endures this loss for the sake of Jesus is a worthy disciple and his/her reward will be great in heaven.
A principled and purposeful living consist in standing up for what is right and truthful. In following Jesus, there is never this and that, only this or that. We have only two options before us: First, to lead our lives according to the standards set by the world and the second, to align our lives as per the teachings of Jesus. Choosing the first option, we may be hailed by this world but lose life eternal that is bliss. Choosing the second option, we may be abandoned, hated and marginalized by all but gain life eternal that is bliss. The choice is ours. Choosing God is choosing life eternal. Let us courageously choose Jesus and gain life that is lasing
Saturday, July 10, 2021
Bible Reflections I 11.07.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - Amos. 7: 12-15
II - Eph. 1: 3-14
III - Mk. 6: 7-13
MAKE YOUR LIFE A MESSAGE OF GOD
God calls whomever He wants (Mk. 3:13) rich or poor, learned or unlearned, courageous or coward, talented or inept, competent or incompetent and skilled or unskilled, to be His ambassadors to proclaim and perform in His name and according to His plan is the crux of all three readings today. We are His children in Christ Jesus our Lord, blessed with all spiritual blessings and with riches of graces to gather everyone for God. Jesus exhorts his disciples to put their trust in the Providence of God who cares and to focus only on the mission entrusted by telling them to carry only the minimum and concentrate on the Kingdom of God through proclaiming, preaching, curing, healing, raising the dead and casting of demons - the vision of the mission. Faithful to the command of Jesus, disciples not only proclaimed but lived out the message, gathering everyone for God.
Proclaiming Jesus becomes effective not in mere preaching or proclaiming alone but in aligning our life unto it as well. We are called despite our background, qualified as children of God in Jesus Christ and entrusted with the mission of bringing freedom, fraternity and justice wherever we are. When we practice these values primarily in our lives we automatically become the messengers of God and never a bystander or a spectator in the society. Imbibing Gospels values we will surely embrace all and ostracise none, love all and hate none, include all and exclude none; and empathize and never be indifferent towards anyone. In this way our mere presence can preach, proclaim and perform miracles effecting the presence of God among people. This is indeed a meaningful Christian living. By this we not only become mere messengers of God but the message itself. Let us try to make our life a message of God as we keep repeating this prayer as often as possible in the silence of our hearts: “Lord Jesus, make my life a loving message”
Friday, July 9, 2021
Bible Reflections I 10.07.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - Gen. 49: 29-31,33;
50: 15-26
II - Mt.10: 24-33
DARE TO STAND FOR THE TRUTH
In the Gospel passage today Jesus motivates and inspires his disciples for the challenging and courageous entrusted mission ahead. He encourages them to stand up for the truth that can never be hidden or covered. He emboldens them to face suffering in the pursuit of the same assuring them of the Father’s care and love even in their minutest detail.
It takes courage to stand up for the truth for its cost is huge and heavy. People remain silent or indifferent in the matters concerning the truth for the fear of suffering, torture, threat, persecution, problems, loss of reputation and death. Remember, our life on is transitory and it perishes for life eternal, beholding the bliss of God who cares and defends us. May this truth enlighten and empower us to courageously combat those who kill the body and cannot kill the soul. We are wonderfully made (Ps. 139:13), carefully chosen (Jn. 15:16) for a purpose, to stand up for the truth (Eph. 6:14) and bear much fruit, proving ourselves to be the disciples of Jesus (Jh. 15:8).
Let us follow the way of Jesus, stand up for the truth and inherit life eternal, for Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (Jn. 14:6). May our heart and mind resonate with this prayer: “Lord Jesus, lead me to the truth”
Thursday, July 8, 2021
Bible Reflections I 09.07.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - Gen. 46: 1-7, 28-30
II - Mt.10: 16-23
COMPROMISE NOT BUT CONQUER THE WORLD
In the Gospel passage today Jesus speaks about the suffering that his followers have to encounter and endure in the pursuit of living his command. Jesus uses a metaphor to describe the same, “I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves”, a dangerous pursuit indeed. He instructs his followers prescribing a guideline, to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves and assures them of his presence in their suffering on his accord.
The exhortations of Jesus is subservient to the existing world order. The Gospel values of love, peace, joy, happiness, gentleness, meekness, compassion, kindness, generosity, selflessness and self-giving contradicts and conflicts the values proposed by the world viz. hatred, revenge, anger, pride, pleasure, jealousy, selfishness, violence, avarice and arrogance. The values of the world may seem to overpower the values of the Gospel, but can never prevail. There are only two options, either to compromise with the world order or to contradict and conquer the same. We are chosen to topple the world order that “prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (Pt. 5:8). It is challenging, dangerous and daring. To tread in the path of our Master and Lord Jesus Christ is not impossible but possible, it is demanding but worthwhile, we may be battered but never defeated. It is road less travelled, reserved for the followers of Jesus who dare insults, persecution, suffering and death. Let us fight the battle with prudence and innocence standing on the powerful presence and assuring promises of Jesus, for he says, “Take courage; I have conquered the world” (Jn. 16:33).
In the silence of our hearts let us keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to conquer the world”
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Bible Reflections I 08.07.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I
Reading:
I - Gen. 44: 18-21,
23b-29; 45:1-5
II - Mt.10: 7-15
POWER MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS
To the simple men of Galilee, his beloved disciples, weak and imperfect as they were, Jesus entrusts the great ministry of the Kingdom of God through healing, curing, cleansing and casting out demons. Jesus shares his power and ministry with them. The book of the Acts of the Apostles evince to this sharing: “As the result of the apostles work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by” (Acts. 5:15); Dorcas was raised by Peter from the dead (Acts. 9:36-42); On the way to the temple, Peter healed the crippled beggar in the name of Jesus (Acts. 3:1-10); Demons were cast out and the crippled were cured by Phillip (Acts. 8:7); Ananias cured Saul’s blindness (Acts. 9:17-18).
Each of us are aware of our won weakness, fragilities and limitations. But God has chose us and called us by name for a purpose that is noble and eternal. God can work wonders through us the weak beings for His power is made perfect in weakness (2Cor. 12:10). Abraham, lied, telling Sarah his beloved wife as his sister to Abimelech, the king of Gerar, still the Bible calls Abraham as friend of God; Moses stammered yet was chosen to be the liberator of Israel; David, the great king of Israel sinned with Bathsheba still was the man after God’s own heart, Peter denied Jesus but he was chosen to be the leader of the church, Thomas doubted but to him Jesus appeared and strengthened the faith in his resurrection, Saul persecuted the Church God chose him to be the pillar of the church and appointed him to be an apostle to the Gentiles.
God’s ways are mysterious. God purposely chooses what the world considers as weak and nonsense in order to shame the wise and the powerful (1Cor. 1:27). Therefore stop concentrating on the weakness and start magnifying the power, mercy, grace and works of the Lord so that we too can accomplish the purpose for which Christ Jesus has chosen us and make our life purposeful and meaningful.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Bible Reflections I 07.07.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I -Gen. 41: 55-57,
42:5-7, 17-24
II - Mt.10: 1-7
COMBINATION IN THE CHOICE OF SELECTION
The choice of selection of candidates to any professional training programme or adventurous venture will be determined by the intellectual capacity, knowledge savvy, aptitude, self-esteem smartness, creativity, confidence and courage of the candidate. On the contrary, Jesus according to the Gospel passage today commissions his mission to his team of twelve disciples, the personalities in the combination of fishermen, learned, tax collector, power mongers, zealot and the ignorant.
The rabbis of the time would’ve definitely ridiculed Jesus on the choice of his disciples. With this team of less or no caliber according to the human standards, Jesus establishes and entrusts the Church. Jesus looked at them not from human perspective but he looked at their heart and intentions intently. “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1Sam. 16:7).
From the humble beginning of the twelve we have the mighty and magnificent Church, still continuing the entrusted mission of Jesus viz. teaching, preaching, healing, and curing solely to ensure the blossoming of the Kingdom of heaven in their midst. Our educational institutions, health ministry, social works, organisations and job centres target the summon of Jesus to his disciples. We are part of that Church, unworthy as we are but chosen by God and entrusted with this ministry when we were baptized. We need accomplish great things but even a trifle with good will and noble intention like the poor widow who gave her mite. A little deed can infuse hope and courage and; a kind gesture can comfort and console; and the right word can stir and heal.
Let us not aspire for great accomplishments rather be the disciples of Jesus in our own way effecting the kingdom of heaven wherever we are, promoting love, peace, joy, happiness and hope. May our heart and mind resonate with this prayer: ‘Lord make me an instrument of your love, peace and joy’
Monday, July 5, 2021
Bible Reflections I 06.07.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - Gen. 32: 23-33
II - Mt.9: 32-37
STAY FOCUSED AND UNSTOPPABLE TREND SETTERS
According to the Gospel passage today, a dumb demoniac was brought to Jesus. Jesus cast out the demon and the dumb man spoke. The common crowd was amazed and the pharisees as usual citicised Jesus saying, “It is through the prince of devils that he casts out devil”. Jesus was unperturbed to both these responses. He was focused about His Father’s business (Lk. 2:49). He carried on with his mission of preaching, proclaiming, curing, cleansing, teaching and tutoring. He was unstoppable. Neither praise nor criticism, amazement or anger, applause or ridicule, recognition or disregard could stop Jesus from being focused about his purpose because he took delight in accomplishing the will of His Father through continuous union with Him in prayer.
St. Paul in his letter to the Philippines exhorts us to focus on, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8). In the letter to the Romans we read, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom. 12:2).
This is purposeful and focused life in Christ and a challenge in the current scenario that is compromising and relativizing. In this pursuit we may be ridiculed, mocked, ostracised, citicised, slandered and marginalized. Let us not get discouraged or give up rather with constant prayer and communion with the Lord, stay focused and become unstoppable in imitating Jesus our trend setter par excellence.
Sunday, July 4, 2021
Bible Reflections I 05.07.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - Gen. 28:10-22
II - Mt.9: 18-26
HEART TO HEART CONNECT, ALL IN FAITH, WORKS MIRACLE
The pleading of a person with faith has the power to obtain that prayer, is the crux of the Gospel passage today. The official pleads with Jesus for the life of his dead daughter, “come and lay your hand on her and her life will be saved” and the woman suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years says to herself, “If I can only touch his cloak, I shall be well again”. The official pleaded with words and the woman with no words but both with a tremendous faith in Jesus obtains the miracle for them. The sincere prayer of both from their heart touches the heart of Jesus, causing, one to come alive and the other to get healed.
It is not in the multiplicity of our words that God hears our prayer but in the quality prayer with utmost faith and trust in the Lord. Jesus can understand our suffering “since he himself has gone through suffering and testing; he is able to help us when we are being tested” (Heb. 2:18). He can understand us even before we could speak as the Psalmist say, “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord” (Ps. 139:4). The Scripture says, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear” (Is. 59:1). Jesus can turn all our problems and worries upside down. All we need is faith and trust in the triune God as we read in the Book of Revelation, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” (Rev. 21:4). Heart to heart connect, with Jesus, in faith can work miracles for us. When we are faced with fear, worries, problems and anxieties and are unable to trust in the Lord, let our hearts resonate with the prayer of the father who sought for the healing of his possessed son: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mk. 9:24).
Saturday, July 3, 2021
Bible Reflections I 04.07.2021 - 14Th Ordinary Sunday I Indraya Manna I
Readings: I - Ezk. 2:2-5
II - 2Cor. 12:7-10
III - Mk. 6:1-6
DARE TO LISTEN TO GOD’S VOICE
God never gives up His people and is never tired of calling them back to Himself. He sends His chosen ones to turn their hearts towards Himself is the streamline of all three readings today. Prophets Ezekial is sent to the defiant and obstinate Israelites, to turn them back to God from their rebellious attitude. St. Paul was chosen to proclaim Jesus for which he had to endure insults, hardships, persecutions and agonies besides his weakness that weighed him down to discouragement. But God enthused and encouraged him assuring, “My grace is sufficient for you”. Jesus, the Son of God was sent to the Israelites and they rejected Him. The Pride, arrogance and the stubbornness of heart prevented the people of Israel from accepting the ways of God pointed by the prophets, the apostles and various persons of God.
We the new Israel too if often similar to the people of Israel. God’s voice come to us through various ways viz. the bible, prayer, our conscience, shepherds of the Church, parents, relatives, friends, elders and youngers. Do we always pay heed to them? Why do we reject? May be because it is demanding, obstacle to our normal living, we are proud, we don’t want to hear the truth that hurts, it contradicts our thought pattern or because it is challenging. Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice” (Jn. 10:27). If we listen to His voice, we are His sheep. As the scripture says, “If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts” (Ps. 95:8), let us dare to listen to God’s voice for if we listen to His voice, we are His people. If we listen to Him, we may also be made His messengers however insignificant we are because His grace is sufficient for us.
May the Lord help us to listen to His voice and stand by it as we in the silence of our hearts keep repeating, “Lord help us to listen to your voice”.
Friday, July 2, 2021
Bible Reflections I Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle I 03.07.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I
Readings: I - Eph. 2:19-22
II - Jn. 20:24-29
ST. THOMAS, APOSTLE (Feast)
The Church celebrates the feast of St. Thomas called Didymus, the apostle of Jesus and the apostle of India. He was a brave and ardent apostle of Jesus. When Jesus said that he had to leave for Jerusalem, dangerous place for Jesus, St. Thomas courageously said, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (Jh. 11:16). He risked not his life for Jesus. He is commonly known as doubting Thomas. The doubt of Thomas on the resurrection of Jesus, the appearance of Jesus to St. Thomas and his proclamation, “My God and My Lord” affirmed the resurrection of Jesus and the faith of the Church. After the ascension of Jesus, St. Thomas came to India to preach the Good News. He preached in Malabar coast, Kodungalloor, Palayoor and finally came to Mylapore, Chennai and was martyred there in 72 A.D.
The cornerstone determines the spatial order and the structure of a building. The foundation stone will be set in reference to the cornerstone. According to the first reading today, Jesus Christ is the corner stone of building the Church, and the apostles are the foundation stones of that building. We are called to be a part of that building. In the Gospel reading today, we read about the dilemma of St. Thomas due to his disbelief in accepting the fact that the disciples have seen Jesus. St. Thomas had been with Jesus still could not believe that He had risen and has appeared. Jesus appears, clarifies the doubt of St. Thomas, strengthens his faith and makes him a great missionary and ambassador to India and finally a martyr of his faith.
Almost all the apostles of Jesus had defects. Peter was impetuous, he also denied Jesus, James and John, the sons of Zebedee were very particular about taking their seat at the right and left hand of Jesus, Thomas was always doubting, all the disciples abandoned and ran away when Jesus was arrested and finally St. Paul was a great persecutor of the Christians. Still these apostles were chosen to be the foundation of the building, the Church. Because Jesus discovered and trusted the goodness in them that surpassed the weakness in them and made them the foundation of the building.
The Bible says that Jesus “called to him those he wanted and they came to him” (Mk. 3:13). Jesus has chosen each of us to be His followers because ‘we are precious to him and honoured and he loves us’ (Is. 43:4). we may not be meritorious and commendable still God chooses us and makes us to be his followers, part of that building, with a purpose. “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1Sam: 16:7). He looks at us beyond our limitations, weakness, inabilities and incapabilities. May we not count or magnify our liabilities rather acknowledge God’s trust in us and with all faith acclaim along with St. Thomas, “My Lord and My God”.
Thursday, July 1, 2021
Bible Reflections I 02.07.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - Gen23:1-4,19,
24:1-8,62-67
II - Mt. 9:9-13
EMPTY TO EMPOWER
The Jewish rabbis were religious teachers and spiritual leaders. They always maintained their status quo in the society. They never associated with women, tax collectors and sinners. In the Gospel passage today, Jesus the rabbi par excellence topsy turvy the attitude of the rabbis, calling Matthew, the tax collector to follow him. He associated with the sinners and tax collectors and dined with them. This infuriated the Pharisees and they asked the disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with the tax collectors and sinners?”. Jesus refuted the Pharisees saying, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners”. Jesus emptying himself took on the nature of humankind to empower especially the marginalized, the least and the lost of the society viz. the sick, sinners, Samaritans, women and the tax collectors and not the righteous. The neglected strata of the society were comfortable and at home in the presence of Jesus that infused hope and empowered them for a transformed ad renewed life.
Power, position, prestige, standard, status, ego, caste and creed obstruct people from relating to the poor, the neglected, the down trodden, the oppressed, the marginalized and the less privileged. These obstructs do not follow us after our life here on earth. It is in giving up these obstructs do we gain life eternal. We need not do great things. Just a word of concern, cup of water, kind gesture, voluntary accompaniment, encouraging pat, acknowledging nod, taking up for the voiceless, courageously defending the right of the oppressed, standing up for the truth, comforting presence, selfless giving and righteous living can topsy turvy the world.
We are followers of Jesus, after the model of Jesus our master, let us dare to empty ourselves of all obstructs, to empower the suffering humanity and to restore the image of God in them. Being first Friday, the day dedicated to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray that we may be filled with His love in order to empty ourselves in the empowerment of humankind as we keep repeating this prayer in the silence of our hearts: “Jesus, fill my heart with your love”.
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