Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Bible Reflections I 01.09.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I – Col. 1: 1-8
II - Lk. 4: 38-44
WITH JESUS WE ARE VICTORIUS
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus after teaching in the synagogue, cures peter’s mother-in-law in particular and heals the sick, the ailing and the possessed, that were brought to him thereafter. Let us take up the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law for our reflection today. Jesus entered into peter’s house, stood over his mother-in-law and rebuked the fever and instantly she was healed and began to serve him.
All of us encounter so many problems in our day-to-day life. The personal, physical, mental, moral, psychological, financial and social problems may overwhelm and weigh us down. May our heart learn to recognise the powerful presence of Jesus amidst them and intercede with him to heal, to eradicate, to help, to accept and to face the same with him. Overcoming all these problems with Jesus, strive to serve him with all our heart, mind, strength and will. In the silence of our heat let us keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, help us to face our life with you”.
Monday, August 30, 2021
Bible Reflections I 31.08.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna
Readings
I - 1 Thess. 5: 1-6, 9-11
II - Lk. 4: 31-37
DOCILE HEART DISCOVERS THE TRUTH
The people of Capernaum was astounded at the teaching of Jesus because of the authority with which he spoke. They were amazed at the power of his command over the unclean spirits. Even the demons recognised that Jesus as the Holy One of God, but his own people in the stubbornness of their hearts recognised him not. They were rigid, adamant, hard headed and stiff necked people unwilling to accept the truth. About these stubborn people Prophet Jeremiah says, “This evil people, that refuse to hear my words, that walk in the stubbornness of their heart” (Jer. 13:10).
There is a famous proverb, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”. Though the life of Jesus, his preaching and the miracles he worked testified to the fulfillment of the Law and Prophecy in him, they were stubborn to accept a “carpenter’s son” as the “Son of God”. Stubbornness blind the eyes, deafens the ears and hardens the heart from being docile to the truth, true to the words of Jesus, “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear” (Mt. 13:13). May this Gospel passage of the day help us to examine our lives. Stubbornness darkens our understanding and excludes us from God (Eph. 4:18) and His people. Let us be docile to the truth even if it hurts and disturbs us for that is God Himself. In the silence of our heart let us keep praying: “Lord Jesus help me to be docile to discover the truth”.
Sunday, August 29, 2021
Bible Reflections I 30.08.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - 1 Thess. 4: 13-18
II - Lk. 4: 16-30
FAITH FAVOURS
Today’s Gospel passage is on the manifesto of the public ministry of Jesus. As Jesus finished reading the passage of Prophet Isaiah, all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him, he won the approval of all and they were astonished by the gracious words that came from his lips. But still the bias of the people that Jesus was a carpenter’s son prevented them to go beyond to trust him. Therefore as the bible says, “He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith” (Mt. 13:58). He came to his own and his own accepted him not (Jn. 1:11).
Each person is unique. Everyone have their own role to play in this world. Judging from the background, we too are sometimes prone to miss people for what they are. Trusting in the word of God, the widow at Zarephath did what Prophet Elijah commanded and baked the first bread for him and found her jar of flour never used up and the jug of oil never ran dry all through the days of drought. Naaman the leper trusted in the words of Prophet Elisha and was cleansed.
Faith favours. Let us accept everyone in the name of the Lord, going beyond our prejudice, likes and dislikes. There are still prophets and persons of God amidst us. May we behold them with faith in order to behold the blessings of the Lord they bring, as we keep repeating this prayer: “Lord Jesus, increase my faith”.
Saturday, August 28, 2021
Bible Reflections I 29.08.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Deu. 4: 1-2, 6-8
II - Jas. 1:17-18, 21-22,27
III - Mk. 7: 1-8
Beheading of John the Baptist (Memoria)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE UNTO THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD
The simple two dimensional law viz. the love of God and the love of neighbour was complicated by the observance of 613 laws, fabricated by the religious leaders, made the life of a Jew difficult and burdensome. The Scribes and the Pharisees thus “preserved” the law but diluted the essence of the law, the one commanded by God: Love. Anything against the love of God and love of neighbour is impure in the sight of God. They considered themselves as the ‘people of God’, a race after God’s choice and never associated especially with the outcast. Whenever they went out, after their return they would wash their hands so that they remain pure untarnished by their association with the outcast. An inhuman act indeed! And a great abomination in the sight of God because the love of neighbour is jeopardised in the bargain.
In today’s Gospel passage, the Scribes and the Pharisees accuses the disciples of Jesus for not washing their hands. Jesus admonishes their hypocrisy because they were putting aside the commandment of God and were clinging on to human traditions that hurt and neglected one section of the society on the whole. Nothing that goes into a man from outside can make him unclean but the evil that comes from within viz. theft, murder, adultery, avarice, pride, folly… make him unclean. The first reading speaks about the importance of keeping the word of the Lord, as people of God and in the second reading, St. James exhorts the Christians to be the ‘doers of the Word’ that has the power to save souls. Aligning oneself according to the Word of the Lord therefore is purity and that is religion.
There are people who go on a pilgrimage to holy places, fast for days together, perform all rituals under the pretext of ‘devotion’, parade themselves to be religious people but never give a cup of water to the thirsty, feed the hungry, care for the widow and the orphaned, help the poor or defend the voiceless. Through today’s Gospel passage Jesus rebukes these type of people for their hypocrisy and invites them to concentrate on the higher values of life. Let us not fall into this category of hypocrites but become doers of God and this is of course purity, and pleasing in the sight of God. Today the Church remembers the beheading of St. John the Baptist, voice in the desert that demanded everyone to live by the word of the Lord. May St. John the Baptist give us the courage to stand by God’s Word at all circumstances with courage and conviction.
Friday, August 27, 2021
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Bible Reflections I 27.08.2021- Friday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - 1Thess. 4: 1-8
II - Mt. 25: 1-13
BE PREPARED FOR WHAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR YOU
The Gospel passage is about the ten bridesmaids awaiting for the arrival of the bridegroom. Five were wise and five were foolish. The wise five were proactive and vigilant in carrying a flask of oil with them so that they may be ready even if the bridegroom arrived late. They were resolute and purposeful; and entered the wedding hall with the bridegroom. The foolish five were negligent and careless that they failed to carry a flask of oil with them so they were unprepared to welcome the bridegroom at his arrival. They were irresolute and lost the purpose; and missed entering the wedding hall with the bridegroom.
Preparedness, with prudence and perseverance rewards achieving the purpose of entering into that wedding banquet of the Lord. Those who are agile and aright aligning their ways unto the way of the Lord enter the banquet with the Him at the end of their life here on earth. We have been gifted with the light of Christ at the time of our baptism representing our transition from death to life in Christ. It is our bounden duty to keep it alight until the day of Lord. Persistence in living the Gospel values of life and prudence in remaining in the same, with utmost steadfastness; unperturbed by the allurements of the world can keep one ever ready for that all important moment of seeing the Lord face to face; walking hand in hand with him into that royal wedding banquet of the Lord prepared all in love for us.
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Bible Reflections I 26.08.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - 1Thess. 3: 7-13
II - Mt. 24: 42-51
THE MAGIC OF MINDFUL LIVING
According to the Gospel passage today there are two groups of people who are doomed to inherit the eternal damnation viz. the unready and the hypocrites. Because both are concerned about everything other than the essential, the love of God and the love of neighbour. Preparedness and vigilance is essential to behold the Master as He comes. We die the way we live.
Once the boys were playing in the ground. St. Don Bosco encountered them and asked, “What would you do if suddenly God calls you?” Immediately St. Dominic Savio said, “I would still continue playing”. Preparedness spurs fearlessness in facing the day of the Lord. St. Mary Mazzarello gives an easy and simple formula to sanctity, “Sanctity consists in doing the right thing at the right moment, solely for the Love of God”.
The trending wellness concept of the day is “mindfulness”. Mindfulness is being fully present to oneself and to the happenings around. When were are present to ourselves, persons and happenings around, centered on God, we can live our life healthier, better, fruitful and satisfied. This is the simple technique yet highly magical in leading us towards a sacrosanct living that inherits eternal bliss. Mindfulness paves way to meet the Lord with preparedness and vigilance.
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Bible Reflections I 25.08.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - 1Thess. 2: 9-13
II - Mt. 23: 27-32
LIFE IS A GIFT, LIVE IT TO THE FULL
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus upbraids the Scribes and the Pharisees for their duplicate, double standard and deceitful life. Jesus calls these guardians of the Law and the custodians of the prophecy as lawless people and the hypocrites. The Scribes and the Pharisees covered up their arrogance in their conceiting appearance, commending themselves to be respectable, honourable and faithful religious leaders. Jesus was of course harsh in calling them “white washed sepulchers” but he was right in calling them so, for their actions testified to the same.
All fake, duplicate and imitations are attractive, capturing, awesome and alluring. But they are temporary and never long lasting. It is all disgusting, discouraging and heart rending to see the showy, flattery, deceitful and the cunning people thriving, honoured and adored. Such hypocrisy is an abomination and aversion in the sight of God and he detests these type of people and calls them, “white washed sepulchers”. Plain living is powerful living for life is a gift, given to us to live and not for any fake performances with the same. The Lord knows even our inmost thought. We can neither deceive Him nor trick Him. Being true to God and true to humanity is living the life to the full. May we have this joy of living our life to the full in loving, caring, empathizing, sharing, appreciating, acknowledging and encouraging one another for such life is an aroma pleasing to the Lord. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to live my life to the full pleasing you alone”
Monday, August 23, 2021
Bible Reflections I 24.08.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Rev. 21: 9-14
II - Jn. 1: 45-51
St. Bartholomew, Apostle (Feast)
GIVE UP PREJUDICE AND DISCOVER THE TRUTH
The Church celebrates the feast of St. Bartholomew also known as Nathaniel mentioned in the Gospel passage today. Nathaniel had a similar prejudiced attitude like any other Jew, “Can anything good come from Nazareth”. But still, with the simplicity of heart, forthright mind and openness to the truth adhered to Phillip’s, “Come and see”. This is why Jesus commented at Nathaniel saying, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit”. Nathaniel went, saw, spoke to Jesus and was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God and thereafter followed him.
Most of us have an opinionated outlook about someone or something. Every mind is prejudiced about every other person because of here say, experiences, encounters, rumours and gossips. We are often adamant to amend our ideas, notions and thought patterns; and estimate people form the place they come, to the family the belong, the caste and creed of the person, educational background, their lifestyle and their affluence and status in the society. In this bargain, we may miss Jesus present in the other person. May the feast of St. Bartholomew, help us to give up our prejudice and discover Jesus, the Truth in every person and event. In the silence of our heart let us keep repeating, “Lord Jesus lead me to the Truth”
Sunday, August 22, 2021
Bible Reflections I 23.08.2021- Monday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - I Thess. 1: 1-5, 8-10
II - Mt. 23: 13-22
LOVE OF GOD AND LOVE OF NEIGHBOUR: THE AXIS OF DIVINE LIVING
Love of God and love of neighbour are the axis upon which revolves the whole of law and the prophecy. Under the pretext of being faithful to the law of the Lord to its minutest details, the Scribes and the Pharisees have multiplied and made the observance of the law more difficult, cumbersome, tiring, impossible and disgusting. The essence of the law was diluted to mere ritual and a hypocrisy. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus reprimands such pharisaic attitude of hypocrisy and insists on the importance of the indispensable higher value of life grounded on love.
The ‘way of life’ exclusively based on love marked out by Jesus, attracted, inspired and encouraged the sinners, the tax collectors, the oppressed, the hopeless, the outcasts and the discouraged of the society imbuing them to prefer the path of the Lord with joy, gratitude, enthusiasm and zeal. From the heart of love springs forth, compassion, mercy, empathy, understanding, forgiveness, hope and encouragement, enveloping everyone to choose and live for God and His people. Saint Augustine says, “What does love look like? It has hands to help others. It has feet to hasten to the poor and the needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men”. Instead of criticizing the Scribes and the Pharisees, let us analyses our lives for a witnessing Christian living in Christ Jesus our Lord. Love makes the life of the one and the other encountered, happy, easy, simple, comfortable, compatible, colourful, purposeful and meaningful.
Saturday, August 21, 2021
Bible Reflections I 22.08.2021- Sunday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Joshua 24: 1-2,
15-17, 18
II - Eph. 5: 21-32
III - Jh. 6: 53, 60-69
Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother (Memoria)
COVENANTAL RELATIONSHIP CALLS FOR CONVICTION AND COMMITMENT
In the first reading, Joshua chooses to serve the Lord saying, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). In the Gospel reading, the twelve disciples chooses to follow Jesus, as Peter represents them answering, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy one of God” (Jn. 6:68). As per the second reading, the choice of accepting the Lord and following His commandments, commensurate in the covenantal relationship that exhorts fidelity and faithfulness. Joshua and his household chooses to serve the Lord, after witnessing the mighty, marvelous and miraculous deeds of the Lord. Peter and the disciples chose to follow the Lord with utmost faith, understating, reason and trust that He is the Holy One of God. Joshua and the twelve disciples of Jesus, remained steadfast in their choice with inordinate conviction, commitment and fidelity.
In the light of this reflection, let us introspect interrogating: Why am I a Christian? Is it because that our parents baptised when I was a babe and I remain a Christian? Have I accepted the Christ with conviction that He is the Lord and the Holy One of God who gave up his life to save and redeem me? Does my action remain in congruence with the set example of Christ? Covenantal relationship calls for conviction and commitment in the observance of the commandments of the Lord: Primarily to love God and secondly, to love others as oneself. We had been discussing about these two commandants quite often these days. Observance of the commandments qualify the covenantal relationship with God while the failure in the observance of the commandments lead to the violation of the covenantal relationship with God.
We fondly remember today, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother. She had been faithful to her ‘fiat’ meaning ‘let it be done’ until her assumption into Heaven and this is why she is queen and mother. Let us implore Mother Mary’s intercession, assistance, support and guidance in our fidelity and commitment to the Lord, as we affirm and keep repeating the words of Joshua: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”.
Friday, August 20, 2021
Bible Reflections I 21.08.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Ruth 2: 1, 1-3,
8-11, 4: 13-17
II - Mt. 22: 34-40
SUBMIT TO SUPERIORS; SUPERIORS TO SERVE
As subordinates, submit to the authority and as superiors, serve like a slave is the crux of the Gospel passage today. Jesus instructs both, the subordinates and the superiors. He exhorts the people to abide by the teachings of the Scribes and the Pharisees as they are delegated with the authority from God Himself and insists that the greatness of the leaders vest in their service to the flock that is entrusted. A leader should be a servant of all.
Jesus submitted himself to the authority: He constantly sought the will of the Father, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me” (Jh. 4:34), obeyed his parents, “Jesus went back to Nazareth with his parents and obeyed them” (Lk. 2:51) and followed the law of the nation by paying the temple tax (Mt. 17:25). Jesus, the Lord and master; the messiah and the saviour and God and man, washed the feet of his disciples like a slave and thereby had left us an example to imitate him (Jn. 13: 14-17).
To submit and to serve is possible to the one who is humble. It takes courage and conviction to remain humble ignoring pride, honour, glory, pomp, fame and popularity. Humble persons are always aglow in spirit that attracts the attention and admiration of all, inspiring and inviting them to imitate the same. May the grace of God wrap us with humility, simplicity and meekness to submit and to serve, solely for the glory of God. Let us in the silence of our mind and heart keep praying: 'Lord Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours'.
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Bible Reflections I 20.08.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Ruth 1: 1, 3-6,
14-16, 22
II - Mt. 22: 34-40
SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS: PREMIER ENEMY OF THE GOSPEL
Discussions are for arriving at a consensus, dialogues are for nurturing a compromise, queries are for obtaining clarity and the arguments are for augmenting the truth. But in today’s Gospel passage the Pharisees and the Sadducees plan to trick Jesus and a lawyer approaches Jesus with a question solely with the intention of testing him, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” This projects the self-righteousness and the ‘all knowing’ attitude of the religious leaders comprising the upper hierarchy of the Jewish society. Pride and arrogance are the byproducts of self-righteousness which was the greatest obstacle for the so called ‘all knowing’ religious leaders to identify and accept Jesus as the Promised Messiah.
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). Pride obstructs from accepting the truth, arrogance alleviates the power of understanding and above all self-righteousness makes one to willfully miss the mark barricading the truth that is God Himself. Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (Jh. 14:6).
Jesus is the Gospel, the Good News that can only be beheld with simplicity, humility and openness of heart. Let us give up self-righteousness, the premier enemy of the Gospel to discover the ‘all powerful, all loving, all knowing and all merciful” God. May our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours”
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Bible Reflections I 19.08.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Judg. 11: 29-39
II - Mt. 22: 1-14
LET YOUR LIFESTYLE DELINEATE LIFE ETERNAL
In the parable of the wedding banquet Jesus projects the stubborn and hard hearted people of Israel who refused to return to the Lord. They deafened their ears to the invitation of God that came through kings, judges, prophets and finally His own son Jesus Christ. “The more they were called, the more they went away” (Hos. 11:2). The people of Israel took delight and pride in calling themselves as the chosen people of God but failed to adhere to the voice of God that beckoned to align their ways unto the ways of God. The Son of God was sent to His own people Israel but they willfully neglected to either accept him or give heed to him. This is why Jesus tells them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you ‘(Mt. 21: 32).
Towards the end of the Gospel passage today Jesus says, “Many are called, but few are chosen”. All of us, as children of God are called to inherit the kingdom of God but only the ones who make themselves befitting to that kingdom will inherit it. If we are attentive in adhering to the voice of God that comes in prayer, from our conscience and through our dear ones, friends, colleagues, neighbours or even strangers for that matter, our lifestyle would definitely be delineating the life eternal throbbing with peace, serenity, happiness, joy and cheerfulness. As loving children of God let us obey and commit ourselves unto his ways befitting to inherit life eternal thus making our life purposeful here on earth. In the silence of our hearts let us keep repeating: “Lord Jesus help us to listen to you”.
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Bible Reflections I 18.08.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Judg. 9: 6-15
II - Mt. 20: 1-16
DISCERN AND DECIDE TO INHERIT LIFE ETERNAL
In today’s Gospel passage Jesus speaks about the reward of those who strive for the Kingdom of God, aligning their ways unto the ways of God. Towards the end of the Gospel passage Jesus says, “The last will be first and the first will be last”. He speaks of the absolute equity and equality in the kingdom of heaven. There are some who are saints right from their birth, there are others who take a U-turn towards God at one point of their life time and while there are still others who gain paradise at the last breathe of their life. St. Dominic Savio was a saint right from the beginning with the motto, “Death rather than sin”, St. Augustine when he discovered God, he said, “Late have I loved you, O Beauty, so ancient and so new, late have I loved you! You called, and you cried out to me and broke open my deafness; you shone forth upon me and you scattered my blindness” and the criminal on the cross who said to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Lk. 23:42). Still all partake in the glory of the bliss to the full with no distinction, for God shows no difference nor is He partial.
The voice of the Lord beckons to beset our life on the right track that leads to life eternal. To adhere to the Lord’s voice, return to him, amending our ways unto His, usher bliss of paradise, the heritage of all human being created in the image and likeness of God. Some listen to His voice, others neglect while still some other slight the same. When we conduct our life in vain after money, power, possession, pleasure and wealth, the voice of the Lord would definitely interrupt, inviting us for a greater purpose of attaining heaven, the blissful eternal life. Let every hour remind us, “See, now is the acceptable time, see, now is the day of salvation!” (2 Cor. 6: 2) for, “O that today you would listen to his voice! Do not harden your hearts” (Ps. 95: 7-8). Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to hear you”.
Monday, August 16, 2021
Bible Reflections I 17.08.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Judges 6:11-24
II - Mt. 19: 23-30
GIVE UP ALL TO POSSESS ALL
The Gospel passage invites to fix our gaze on God, that rewards life eternal. If the focus is on wealth and riches, the vision and the purpose of our existence on the earth gets distorted and goes a waste besides making the inheritance of eternal life an impossible one. Renunciation for the sake of the love of God and love of neighbour reverts the blessings of God in abundance as Jesus says, hundred times over along with the inheritance of eternal life.
The incidents that took place during this pandemic would be best example to this passage. When the pandemic was in its hike during the second wave leaving the hospitals overcrowded, making the availability of medical help an arduous one, we happened to witness people with varied attitude testifying to this passage. Some gave away their vehicles to be used for quarantine purpose, small children shared their little savings towards relief measures, drivers making transportation for the patients free of charges, volunteers at the rescue of the affected at the cost of their life, some even sold their property to help those affected and the like…. On the other hand, we have also witnessed a very sad reality of people making money out of this pandemic. Transportation with even four times above the normal cost, mounted cost on medicines, rise in the price of food stuff, vegetables, provisions and other necessities, very high medical expenses at the private hospitals…in short we have also witnessed heart rending incidents during this pandemic. When the focus is on amazing wealth, humanness vanishes and vice versa. It is the people who belong to the latter category that Jesus reprimands.
It is the grace of God and the openness of human heart to the same can give up anything to possess God. May the grace of God help us to give up all to possess all that is ultimate, God and life eternal. Let our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to fix my gaze upon you”.
Sunday, August 15, 2021
Bible Reflections I 16.08.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Judges 2:11-19
II - Mt. 19: 16-22
EMPTYING IS PERFECT CHRISTIAN LIVING
Christian living is giving. Giving all that we have and all that we are, to ennoble, enrich and empower the poor, the downtrodden, the less privileged, the less fortunate and those in misery. Observance of commandments may help to inherit eternal life but perfection vests in parting away with the possession for the poor is the crux of the Gospel passage today. Empting oneself for the love of God and love of neighbour is ‘kenosis’ modelled after the example of Jesus and this is perfect Christian living: “though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness” (Phil. 2: 6-7).
Spending our energy, time, skill, money, material, wealth and power surpassing all time constraint, power constraint, dignity constraint, status constraint and prestige constraint even at the cost of name, fame, pride, dignity, ego and reputation, just to uplift the poor and those in the periphery, is emptying. The pandemic of the time is a great opportunity to actualise this Gospel passage in our lives. Let us give, live and let live, all with love, for in loosing we gain, this is the Christian logic of perfection.
Saturday, August 14, 2021
Bible Reflections I 15.08.2021 - Sunday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Rev. 11: 9, 12:1-6, 10
II - I Cor. 15: 20-27
III - Lk. 1: 39-56
ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Solemnity)
INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY
Today the Church solemnises the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, body and soul into Heaven. The dogma of faith on the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was declared on 1st November, 1950 by Pope Pius XII: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she shares in the glory of her Son’s resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of his body”. Assumption of Mary is the prefiguration of the destiny of every member of the universal church.
Mary bore Jesus in her womb and we receive Jesus in our hearts. Mother Mary was privileged to assume into heaven because, primarily she was faithful to her call, to be the mother of God and secondly, she sought and accomplished the will the God at all times of her life. The feast of assumption therefore becomes an invitation and motivation for each of us to remain faithful to the state of life to which we have been called. And, however challenging, trying or wearing, learn to take delight in seeking and accomplishing the will of God. These two resolutions can help us combat the constant struggle between the good and evil and be victors conquering the evil as did our Blessed Mother Mary. Mary was simple and insignificant Lady of Nazareth, it was for these two reasons God chose her and exalted to the very heights of glory. May our Blessed Mother help us too to be modelled after her as we solemnize this her feast day today.
India celebrates the seventy fourth independence day today. Let us entrust India under the protection and help of Mother Mary that she may help all us to live in unity, charity, prosperity, justice, equality and brotherhood. Let us make the prayer of Tagore our own as we celebrate the Independence Day today by constantly repeating: “Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake”.
Friday, August 13, 2021
Bible Reflections I 14.08.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Joshua 24: 14-29
II - Mt. 19:13-15
LITTLE ARE THE GREAT
Highlighting the marginalised, exalting the lowly, leading the last to the forefront and making the insignificant the prominent is the unique and unbeatable style of Jesus. In the society that considered women and children as ‘no persons’, Jesus commands his disciples to let the little children come to him, blesses them and calls them the greatest and the protagonist in the Kingdom of heaven. The passage reminds me of a hymn that is so familiar and stirring:
“The secret of the kingdom is power to the children
And that’s the Father’s style.
The greatest in the kingdom are those who enter in
But the keys are in the hands of a child”
The innocence, fragility, dependence, forgiveness, guilelessness, trust, reliance, simplicity, openness, sense of wonder, candidness and honesty make the little children the predilects of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus affirms saying, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:3). Jesus exhorts us to have an attitudinal change giving up our ego, anger, pride, hatred, jealousy, arrogance, vain glory, revenge, falsehood and pretensions, to imbibe the characteristics of little children in order to become great in the kingdom of heaven. Let us with the grace of God become worthy children of God giving up our old and rugged living and inherit the kingdom prepared for us.
Thursday, August 12, 2021
Bible Reflections I 13.08.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna
Readings
I - Joshua 24: 1-13
II - Mt. 19:3-12
CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE: A SACRAMENT
In today’s Gospel passage as a response to the question posed by the Pharisees, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?”, Jesus highlights the supremacy of marriage, in which man and woman become one flesh, a union inseparable and willed by God Himself. Marriage is a covenantal relationship characterised by unity and indissolubility rooted in fidelity and faithfulness to one another. It is the replica of the relationship between Christ and the Church (Eph. 5: 22-23) and hence it is a sacrament. It is a lifelong commitment to one another all in mutual love, understanding, forbearance, flexibility, adaptability, humility and patience.
Despite marriage being a sacrament, break ups too are not uncommon today. Couples get separated for silly and capricious reasons. The sacrament of matrimony gets shattered in each one’s striving for false freedom, carefree living, autonomy grounded in utter selfishness and egotism, intolerance at the success of the other, considering the other not as their life partner but as their rival, self-righteousness and pride. A family that prays together stays together. Prayer strengths the nuptial bond and family relationship building bridges beyond barriers turning hatred into love, discord into harmony, non-acceptance into acceptance, egotism into altruism, rivalry into companionship and pride into humility. Habituate family prayer and nurture fruitful living making family a church in its miniature. In the silence of our hearts let us keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, Bless our family”.
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Bible Reflections I 12.08.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Joshua 3: 7-10,11,13-17
II - Mt. 18:21-19:1
FORGIVENESS IS THE HALLMARK OF CHRISTIAN LIVING
Forgiveness is the hallmark of Christian living. In the Gospel reading today Jesus answers Peter’s query by exhorting him to forgive the offender seventy times seven, which means a complete forgiveness. In the prayer taught by Jesus, we invoke God praying, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Mt. 6:12), a conditional forgiveness. Therefore to be forgiven, one has to forgive. Forgiveness favours a bonding relationship that fosters fraternity, unity and communion thus realising the dream of Jesus: the kingdom of God.
“I can never forgive such and such a person”, “It is since so long that I spoke to him/her”, “Let me teach him/her a lesson by retaining my anger”, “He/she deserves to be punished” - these are some of the oft heard statements of the time that portray vengeance, arrogance, hatred, self-righteousness, pride and egotism of a person. Instead of extrospection if we introspect, then will we understand that we are offenders in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness. The bible says, “If You O Lord should mark our guilt, who will survive (Ps. 130:3). The world revolves in God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. Who are we then to magnify the mistakes of the other? When we are inclined to retain forgiveness and are prone to withhold forgiveness, let remind ourselves of the question asked by Jesus to the bloodthirsty crowd that brought the woman caught in the very act of committing adultery, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (Jh. 8:7).
Jesus says, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that you father in heaven may forgive your sins” (Mk. 11:25). We need to forgive, if we need to obtain forgiveness from God. Jesus had forgiven the torturers and the executioners who tortured and nailed him to the cross and had left us an example to walk his way. Let us follow the way of the Shepherd and set example to the world, as sterling Christians after the heart of Jesus Christ our Lord. Let our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to forgive”.
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Bible Reflections I 11.08.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Deu. 34: 1-12
II - Mt. 18: 15-10
St. Clare of Assisi (Memoria)
WE ARE ONE IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD
“We must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love” (Eph. 4: 15-16). Every member constitutes the body of the Church (1Cor. 12:12). Even if one member of the Church deviates from the rhythm of the Church, the whole body suffers. For in the Church is the presence of Christ and every member is vital to the body of the Church. Therefore in today’s Gospel Jesus necessitates the importance of bringing back the drifting member into the rhythm of the Church by suggesting all possible efforts and means in putting him back on the track with all love, kindness and utmost charity. “For in one spirit we were all baptized into one body” (I Cor. 12:13) therefore with one mind, one heart and one spirit we form one body, the Church and become powerful, effecting God’s grace on one mission of love entrusted with one vision of the Kingdom of God.
From the Gospel passage today each of us can resolve to bring back the people who have deviated from God’s way with utmost love, care and empathy and with zero condemnation. When we go through the pages of the Holy Scripture, it is evident that whenever the faithful congregation invoked in the name of the Lord, for any particular grace with single mind and heart, it was done for them.
Trusting in the words of Jesus as in today’s Gospel he says, “If two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven” (Mt. 18:19). Let us as the members of the Church with one heart and in the powerful name of Jesus, evoke the mercy of the Lord to wash away the dreadful Corona Virus form the face of the earth. May the love of the Lord vanquish the waves of Corona from the wonderful world that He had gifted us. May our mind and heart resonate with this prayer, “Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal the world”
Sunday, August 8, 2021
Bible Reflections I 09.08.2021- Monday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Due. 10: 12-22
II - Mt. 17: 22-27
INFLUENCE PEOPLE IGNORING INFLUENCE
Jesus besides being an obedient Son of God (Phil. 2:8), an obedient son to his parents (Lk. 2:51) was an obedient and responsible citizen paying the temple tax as we read in the Gospel passage today. Nowhere in the Bible can we find Jesus speaking up for himself or defending himself from the charges made against him. Jesus was revered by the people as a radical preacher with authority, a great prophet, wonder worker and a miracle healer while was truly the Son of God. Jesus would have very well used all these influence for evading the payment of tax. But he used his influence to influence the people for a new world order of freedom, fraternity, equality and justice.
‘Influence’ is the greatest magical word of the time. Influence can accomplish almost all things on the earth. Impossible becomes possible with influence. Under the pretext of influence people tend to shirk responsibilities, evade commitments and assign errands on anyone available at their beck and call.
Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, a legendary scientist and our former President never used his influence for personal gain or glory but he had influenced millions of young and elders alike by choosing him as their role model to carry on his legacy. Parents, teachers, children, social leaders, church leaders, country leaders and world leaders all have influence pertaining to their level of life. Let all influence be sublimated to a higher level of influencing people for greater living instead of focusing on self-utility and personal fulfillment and accomplishments.
Saturday, August 7, 2021
Bible Reflections I 08.08.2021- Sunday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - I Kings. 19: 4-8
II - Eph. 4: 30-5:2
III - Jh. 6: 41-51
IN THE EUCHARIST IS THE LIFE ETERNAL
In the first reading, God refreshes and rejuvenates the disheartened prophet Elijah by feeding him through an angel to pursue his journey to Horeb, the mount of God. The prophet stood for the truth courageously but fled in fear to save his life. In the second reading, St. Paul exhorts the Christians to be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another as Christ has forgiven, in a nutshell to be imitators of God, as his beloved children. In this way one becomes a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. This is a daring and dauntless venture that demands absolute effort and resoluteness to live by the divine values that is difficult and demanding. Hence, to refresh and rejuvenate the Christian living, God gives His only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour as food and drink with the assurance of life eternal as we read in the Gospel passage today.
St. Paul in his letter to the Romans says, “do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind’ (Rom. 12:2). This is the challenge of the Eucharist as well, as Jesus says, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (Jh. 13:15).
Being imitators of Christ demands love to hatred, peace to discord, unity to disunity, generosity to avarice, selflessness to selfishness and kindness to arrogance. It for this that we are marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30). Whenever we stand for what is right, noble and truthful, we stand for God earning the vengeance and hatred of the world. As an understanding and empathetic friend, Jesus comes to as food and drink to strengthen, heal, support, encourage, revive and renew our assiduous effort, striving spirit and vanning strength until we reach our home with him in heaven.
Friday, August 6, 2021
Bible Reflections I 07.08.2021 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Deu. 6: 4-13
II - Mt. 17: 14-20
FLAVOUR BY FAITH
Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus curing a boy with a demon. Absence of faith in both, the man who brought the boy and the disciples made the miracle an impossible one. It is in this context Jesus says, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there’, and it will move, nothing will be impossible for you”. Faith as mustard seed can flavour life and favour all things.
With the two waves of covid, the economy has slashed radically, leaving the people under poverty, unemployment and misery. Common people are caught up into the clutches of depression, discouragement, despair, helplessness and hopelessness. There are people who are unable to get even one square meal in a day, inability to cope up with the educational expenses have left many children as dropouts from the school this year, students who have completed their higher education with great struggle remain jobless with shattered dreams and vanning hope, some people are with guilt feeling of losing their dear ones because of their inability to afford to their medical treatment and some are mourning at the sudden demise of their dear ones.
Covid has adversely affected the social, economical and psychological dimensions of the people. Amidst all these adversaries there are still opportunities and possibilities for the one who nurtures his spiritual dimension in faith. Yes, faith can topsy turvey all setbacks into success, failure into accomplishment, adversity into prosperity and defeat into victory. Let our mind and heart resonate with this prayer: “Jesus Lord, increase my faith”.
Thursday, August 5, 2021
Bible Reflections I 06.08.2021 - Friday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Dan. 7: 9-10, 13-14
II - 2Pt. 1: 16-19
III - Mk. 9: 2-10
Transfiguration of the Lord (Feast)
TRANSCEND, TRANSFOM AND TRANSFIGURE
Today the Church celebrates the feast of the transfiguration of the Lord. In the Gospel passage we read, Peter, James and John witnessing the transfiguration of the Lord in all his glory, glowing in dazzling white. There Elijah and Moses appeared to him and Jesus was talking to them. Elijah is a great prophet and also associated with the arrival of the Messiah: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord” (Mal. 4:5). Moses is the liberator and the Law giver. Appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus symbolize that Jesus is the compendium of Law and Prophesy and this is affirmed by the overshadowing of the cloud that symbolize the presence of God.
The first reading is about the vision of Daniel, in which he sees God sitting in his throne with all dominion, glory and kingship. The vision of God usually beheld the mission of the Prophet among the people viz. repentance of heart and restoration of the covenantal relationship with Him. Hence it is a call for a commission and an invitation for rejuvenation and restoration of retarded relationship.
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe” (Heb. 1:1). Peter, James and John were given such a privilege of witnessing the transfiguration of the Lord with the mission embedded in the voice of the Father, “This my Son, the Beloved; listen to him”. To listen to Jesus, the prophet par excellence, the liberator from our sin, slavery and suffering and the Neo Law giver.
Listening to Jesus tantamount to living the Neo Law of Jesus. The Neo Law of Jesus is the New Commandment based on Love: love of God and love of neighbour. One cannot exist without the other. They are the two sides of the same coin. One cannot say “I love God and hate my neighbour” or vice versa. The feast of transfiguration invites us to transcend from all our selfishness, ego, pride, jealousy, hatred, envy, greed, avarice etc… and transform into persons of love, peace, joy, happiness, tenderness, compassion, empathy, gentleness, care, concern etc… so as to be transfigured restoring the image and likeness of God in which we were created. Let our mind and heart resonate with this prayer during this day: “Lord Jesus, help me to transform, transcend and transfigure for your greater glory”
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Bible Reflections I 05.08.2021 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I
Readings
I - Num. 20:1-13
II - Mt. 16: 13-23
Dedication of St. Mary Major (Optional Memoria)
CHOSEN TO BE THE CHURCH OF GOD
In today’s Gospel passage Jesus calls Peter ‘blessed’ and ‘Satan’ simultaneously under two different contexts. Jesus praises Peter when his answer aligned with the plan of the Father in Heaven and calls him ‘Blessed’ and rebukes him calling ‘Satan’ when he becomes a stumbling block to the plan of God. Jesus choses that ‘Blessed’ Peter as ‘Rock’ and establishes his Church upon the leadership of that ‘Rock’, Peter. From then up till now the Church has been victorious over all heresies and havoc caused to it, true to the words of Jesus, “the gates of hades will not prevail against it”. With and upon the weak being is build the great, divine, holy and mighty Church of God as the bible says, “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the corner stone” (Eph. 2:20).
Today the Church remembers the dedication of St. Mary Major Church, Rome, a great and gigantic church built in honour of Mother Mary. The site for the Church was chosen by the Blessed Mother herself through the miraculous snow fall at that site as she promised. The purpose of every church besides being a place of worship, glory, honour and praise to God, binds brothers and sisters in fraternity, unity and equality. St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of Holy Spirit within you” (1Cor. 6:19). We are the temple of God, called to be the sign of fraternity, unity and equality reflecting the presence of God. In this our living we become the worship, honour, glory and praise to God. This may inherit the wrath of the world upon us and the people of this world may hate, haul and hurt us but they can never prevail over us. With the blessings and grace of God let us try to project the presence of God in us to the people around as we keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, help me to project your presence in my life”
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Bible Reflections I 04.08.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna
Readings
I - Num. 13:1-2,25 -
14: 1,26-29,34-35
II - Mt. 15: 21-28
COURAGE CONQUERS, PERSISTENCE PAYS AND FAITH FAVOURS
In today’s Gospel Jesus referring the Canaanite woman a dog reverses the stereo mindset of the Jews raising her to the standard of the people of God as did the Jews. Because the Jews took pride in parading themselves as people of God. The Canaanites were considered as enemies, sinners and outcasts. The Canaanite woman with such a helpless background but with a great courage in her heart goes amidst the chosen crowd to seek Jesus with a tremendous faith that Jesus would definitely heal her daughter and persistently pervaded the mindset of the Jews without getting offended. Jesus uses the courage, persistence and the faith of the Canaanite woman to instruct the Jews and include everyone under the umbrella of the Children of God.
Prayer with utmost faith shatters the shackles, reaches the royal realm of God and gets request rewarded. Jacob wrestled with God and got the name Israel (Gen. 32:22-32), the walls of Jerico fell with the prayers and praises of God (Jos. 6: 1-27), Holofernes the giant was beheaded at the hand of a woman with the back up of prayer (judith13), blind beggars effort and calling out of Jesus with faith obtained sight for him (Mk. 10: 46-52), woman with the hemorrhage, touching the hem of the garment of Jesus in faith was healed instantaneously (Mt. 9: 20-22), the centurion obtained healing for his servant even in the off-physical presence of Jesus with an utmost faith in him (Mt. 8:5-13). Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you” (Mt. 7:7). St. Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians says, “…Pray without ceasing” (1Thess. 5:16). Let us not get easily discouraged rather pray the Lord persistently, with great courage and tremendous trust, for courage conquers, persistence pays and faith favours as it did with the Canaanite woman who pleaded Jesus.
Monday, August 2, 2021
Bible Reflections I 03.08.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna
Readings
I - Num. 12: 1-13
II - Mt. 14: 22-36
FIX FOCUS ON GOD
Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus walking on water and bidding Peter to do the same when he asked for it. To the surprise and amazement of the disciples, Peter did walk on the water. But gripped in fright with the force of wind, as Peter began to sink in water, he cried out to the Lord for help, “Lord! Save me!”. Jesus put out his hand, held him and asked him just one question, “Why did you doubt?”. Peter despite witnessing multiple deeds of marvelous miracles and stunning healings, was weighed down with trembling fear all because he fixed his focus upon the wind and not on Jesus.
Don’t we too often reflect Peter in our lives? We should have been witnessing umpteen number of amazing works of God in our lives, still, when we are overwhelmed with worries, troubled with turmoil, engulfed in fear and surged in sorrows, where do we fix our focus? Don’t we tend to fix our focus either on ourselves or on the problems? Let us learn to fix our gaze at Jesus like Peter saying, “Lord! Save me!” so that we might be conquerors in all things through Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:37). May our mind resonate with this prayer as we keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, help me to fix my focus on you”.
Sunday, August 1, 2021
Bible Reflections I 02.08.2021 - Monday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - Num. 11: 4-15
II - Mt. 14: 13-21
SHARED IS MULTIPLIED
Five loaves and two fish to five thousand men besides women and children with twelve baskets remnant is unimaginable, ungraspable and unfathomable. With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible (Mt. 19:26). In Today’s gospel we read Jesus telling his disciples, “give them something to eat yourselves”. To Jesus were brought all that they had: five loaves and two fish. Jesus blesses that too little into a more than enough for the multitude, as the gospel says, “They all ate as much as they wanted”. Not ‘each one, eat one bread’ but as much as each one wanted.
St. Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians says, “Give from your heart…for God loves a cheerful giver” (2Cor. 9:7). God sees the heart, the intention and the generosity with which we give and never what or how much we give. With God’s blessing, minimum is maximum, slight is surmounting, small is great, insignificant is embossing and mite is might. Any act of love has its own random effect that foster multiplication. Every kind act, daring deed, generous giving of money, means, energy, time and talent, courageous stand against injustice and inhuman act has its own impact on the new world order based on freedom, fraternity and justice. Let us share for a supremo world order of love, peace and joy.
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