Bible Reflections I 01.04.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 4

Readings 

           I - Wis. 2: 1, 12-22

          II - Jn. 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30

                          

YIELD UNTO THE WILL OF GOD

The two take aways of the Gospel passage of the day are: one, yield unto the will of God and two, become aware of who you are. Jesus waited for the time as per the will of the Father to hand himself for the salvation of the humanity, this is why the Jews tried to arrest but no one was able to lay his hands on him. The Jews refused to accept Jesus as the Son of God because they knew that he was a carpenter’s son, breaking the law and befriending everyone including the sinners and the Samaritans. Jesus never anywhere in the Gospel wished and wanted to prove himself as the Son of God but went on doing the will of His Father because he was damn sure of his identity. Therefore he yielded to none but God alone.

God has a plan for each of us. Have we discovered His plan for each of us? Do we tend to go by whims and fancies of the people around in order to gain their acceptance? Or do we dare to stand for God’s will come what may? Let us reflect and align our lives during this holy season of lent. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to yield unto the will of God”.

Bible Reflections i 31.03.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 4

Readings 

           I - Ex. 32: 7-14

          II - Jn. 5: 31-47

                          

BE RECEPTIVE AND NOT RESISTANT

Open minded people are receptive. They explore, discover, appreciate and accept the truth. On the other hand, the prejudiced people are resistant. They are fixated, stranded, prejudiced and reject the truth. In today’s Gospel passage, the Jews decides to reject Jesus and thereby rejects the truth that comes through him. Besides the personal testimony of Jesus: His words, ministry and life, Jesus in deed had the testimony of John the Baptist, the last of all prophets or the forerunner to Jesus, God the Father Himself, the Scripture and the testimony of Moses, the Lawgiver. Still the Jews refuses to accept Jesus because this Rabi was so different from the others who kept up their status quo with pride and dignity which means Jesus went against the current in truth and with authority.  

Take some time to analyse our lives in the light of the Gospel passage of the day. In our suspicion, jealousy, hatred, pride, anger and selfishness we become closed up and remain resistant to the truth. To live in truth and to stand for the truth is like going against the current, so difficult and challenging. We might like Jesus be rejected, alienated, hated, ostracised, criticised and tortured. Learn to face it with Jesus the giver of courage and strength. Resolve to stand and side for those who strive for truth. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus help me to be open to the truth”.

Bible Reflections I 29.03.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 4

Readings 

           I - Ezk. 47: 1-9, 12

          II - Jn. 5: 1-16

                          

LOVE PRECEDES ALL LAW

Today’s Gospel passage is about the healing of the invalid man at Bethzatha.  The man had been there for thirty years.  Neither did anyone notice nor did someone bother to put him into the pool when the water was stirred up so that he might be healed.  Jesus moved with compassion, said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk”.  It would had been a great miracle for everyone to see an invalid man walking after thirty eight long years. The Jews slighted the “stand-up” and stressed on the violation of the Sabbath, “take up your mat and walk”.  The purpose of any law is to protect and enhance life.  But it was made as a pressing yoke and a great burden that weighed down common men, vanquished their hope and left them disheartened.  Jesus willfully broke the law on the Sabbath to enlighten and empower the Jews that love and humanity takes precedence over any law.  Jesus asserted on the essence of the law.

In our society too we live like those Jews bound by superstitious belief system, caste system and meaningless restrictions and dividing rules.  Make love alone the yardstick of any rule so that we can take delight in calling ourselves as the followers of Christ - Christians.  Love, appreciate, encourage, side up for the helpless, live and let live.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, let your love and compassion fill my heart”.

Bible Reflections I 28.03.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 4

Readings 

           I - Is. 65: 17-21

          II - Jn. 4: 43-54

                          

JUST TRUST 

The Gospel passage of the day is about the second miracle that took place at Cana in Galilee where Jesus had primarily turned water into wine.  In the first miracle, ‘the wedding feast at Cana’, the stewards, following the words of Mother Mary, “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn. 2: 5), filled the jars with water to the brim at the command of Jesus, “fill the jars with water” (Jn. 2: 7) instantaneously without any question or hesitation.  In today’ Gospel passage, Jesus says to the official, “go your son will live” and the official without any hesitation goes back with so much of belief in the words of Jesus.  Before he could reach his home, he gets the news from his servants that his son was recovering.  His son was healed at the very moment Jesus uttered the words, “go your son will live”.

In the light of these two incidents let us examine our lives.  Put yourselves in the place of the stewards who filled the jar and the official who returned home at the command of Jesus without a slightest doubt in their hearts.  Doubt is the greatest temptation to faith, trust and belief.  Learn to trust God against all odds.  He can and will accomplish all things for us as the Bible says, “all things are possible for the one who believes” (Mk. 9:23).  Let us pray for this gift of faith as we in the silence of our hearts keep repeating the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill us with the gift of your faith”.

Bible Reflections I 27.03.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 4

Readings 

           I - Hos. 6: 1-6

          II - 2 Cor. 5: 17-21

         III - Lk. 15: 1-3, 11-32

                          

REPENT AND RETURN TO THE LORD

The first reading is about the victory and the prosperity of the people of Israel - the chosen ‘people of God’.  The second reading is an invitation to be reconciled to the Lord for anyone in Christ is a new creation.  The Gospel passage is the blend of the two readings.  The Pharisees and the Scribes grumbled when the tax collectors and the sinners were drawing near to Jesus.  Jesus through the parable of the Prodigal son tried to enlighten them on the importance of every child to the father and his happiness in getting them back especially the lost one.  The elder son, always with the father signified the scribes and the Pharisees while the younger son signified the sinners and the tax collectors.  Like the father in the parable, God too rejoices over the repentance and return of the sinners and the tax collectors who are away from the Father’s love because of their ignorance, sinfulness, fear, guilt and shame.  Jesus incites an inclusive connotation to ‘people of God’ - men, women, children, sinners, righteous, tax collectors, rich, poor, great and the least.  God waits for the return of the lost, marks them from afar, hopes with patience, runs with great joy when they return and takes them back home with great joy and festivity. 

We are into the fourth week of the season of Lent.  This grace filled season is an opportunity to reflect, repent and return to the Lord.  An opportune time to put on Christ.  As ambassadors Christ, it is the time to be reconciled to Christ.  May all our prayer, fasting and works of charity help us for a reunion with the Lord.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to repent and return to you”.

Bible Reflections I 26.03.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 3

Readings 

           I - Hos. 6: 1-6

          II - Lk. 18: 9-14

                          

HUMILITY IS SELF ACCEPTANCE 

Today’s Gospel passage is on the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican.  Both went to pray.  One exalted himself before God and the other humbled himself before God.  The Pharisee justified himself and slighted the mercy of God while the Publican acknowledged himself that he was a sinner and begged for the mercy of God.  The self-righteous Pharisee thwarted God’s mercy and goodness while the Publican pleaded for God’s mercy and forgiveness.  From the parable Jesus concludes saying that those who exalt themselves will be humbled and that those who humble themselves will be exalted.  

Only the empty container can be filled and never the overflowing one.  Only the one who is aware of his sin and shortcoming can improve his or her quality of living.  Only when one realise that he or she is a sinner and weak being in need of God’s mercy can savour, appreciate and remain grateful to the goodness, forgiveness, mercy and the benevolence of God.  May this season of lent help us become aware and acknowledge that we are weak beings in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness.  Humble before the Lord and He will exalt us in His own time (Jas. 4: 10). Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, Son of David, Have mercy on us”.

Bible Reflections I 24.03.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 3

Readings 

           I - Jer. 7: 23-28

          II - Lk. 11: 14-23

                          

STAY UNITED WITH THE FATHER

There are two types of criticism: one is constructive and the other is destructive. In today’s Gospel passage, some people witnessing the mute speak after the demon being cast out criticize Jesus telling, “he casts out demons by Beelzebul” while the others ask Jesus for a sign from heaven. Jesus was unperturbed by their destructive criticism and reaction to the healing he performed. One usually either responds or reacts to criticism. Jesus responds tactically and traps them with two thought provoking questions: “if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?” and “if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out?” He never performed a miracle too at that moment to prove himself.   

Jesus remained calm, serene and responded rightly even at the face of criticism because he was fully aware who he was and was always connected to God, his Father in prayer. Only a person who is aware of himself/herself can remain calm without reacting to any cutting remarks or curtailing criticisms. Let us be united with the Lord in prayer and prudently stay balanced at all circumstances. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, teach us to be united with the Father like you in prayer and overcome all criticism and setbacks”.

Bible Reflections I 22.03.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 3

Readings 

           I - Dan. 3: 25, 34-43

          II - Mt. 18: 21-35

                          

FORGIVE AND YOU WILL BE FORGIVEN

Forgive and you will be forgiveness is the crux of the Gospel passage of the day.  Peter asks Jesus how many time to forgive the other.  Jesus answers – seventy times seven and goes on to explain through the parable of the unforgiving debtor who was forgiven by his master for the amount quite higher than the that he had lent to his servant yet failed to forgive; beat his up and put him in the prison despite his pleading.

In his prayer taught to his disciples Jesus lays a condition for forgiveness: “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Mt. 6: 12).  Jesus also says, “Be merciful just as your Father is merciful” (Lk. 6: 36).  To those who brought the women caught in the very act of committing adultery, to be stoned to death Jesus said, “he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (Jh. 8: 7).  Only when we become aware that we too are sinners needing God’s mercy can we be able to be merciful and forgive others faults and failings.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us a humbled contrite heart and help us to accept and forgive others”.

Bible Reflections I 20.03.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 3

Readings 

           I - Ex. 3: 1-8, 13-15

          II - 1 Cor. 10: 1-6, 10-12

         III - Lk. 13: 1-9

                          

REPENT AND RETURN TO THE LORD

In the first reading, God chooses Moses to liberate the enslaved Israel from Egypt. God promises them a land of prosperity - a land flowing with milk and honey. The Gospel reading is about Jesus, the Son of God sent into the world to liberate the people from sin and slavery and lead them towards the land of the living. The invitation of Jesus ‘repent’ is an inclusive invitation to the New Israel to return back to the Lord, our God. As St. Paul says in the second reading, it is a universal call to holiness: “the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel”.

The crux of the Gospel passage of the day is repentance and returning back to the Lord thereby restoring our dignity as ‘Children of God’. We are in the third week of the Lenten season. A time of graces and blessings for introspection and amendment of our ways unto the ways of the Lord. In all that we do and say, remember whether our deeds and words are befitting as children of God and if not restrain form doing and saying. May the Lord give us the humility to accept our weaknesses, faults and failures so as to repent and return back to Him. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us a humble heart to accept our weaknesses and courage to amend our lives unto your ways”

Bible Reflections I 19.03.2022 - SATURDAY I

Season of Lent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - 2 Sam. 7: 4-5, 12-14, 16

          II - Rom. 4: 13, 16-18, 22

         III - Mt. 1: 16, 18-21, 24

                          

ST. JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY (Solemnity)

Today the Church solemnises the feast of St. Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster father of Jesus Christ, the redeemer. St. Joseph is described in the Gospel as just and righteous person. He was gentle and upright. Never lost his patience but endured everything in silence: When he found Mother Mary to be with a child, he was disturbed but as the Gospel says he was unwilling to put her to shame and resolved to send her away quietly. After it was revealed to him in his dream that the child was God’s own Son and that the Promised one Israel, he yielded himself completely to the plan of God. He instantaneously obeyed the Lord without any inhibition either when it was told to him, “Go to Egypt” (Mt. 2: 13) with the babe or to “Go to the land of Israel” (Mt. 2:20). Even today it takes almost a day’s travel by vehicle from Israel to Egypt, imagine then the tedious travel at an animal’s back from Israel to Egypt and from Egypt to Israel! Joseph neither questioned nor grumbled but obeyed God! Nowhere in the Gospel passages can we find anywhere St. Joseph spoke a word but obliged God in taking care and providing for his Holy Family. He proved himself to be a model of husband, father and head of the family. He assisted Mother Mary, brought up Jesus with care and concern, though not his own son and cared for and supported the family with his hard work.  

St. Joseph is a model for all men in his patience, gentleness, care, concern, obedience, hard work and righteousness. He is the patron saint of the Universal Church, fathers, expectant mothers, families, travelers, immigrants, craftsmen and all workers. Today as we celebrate the feat of St. Joseph, let us resolve to imitate his virtues and pray for all families especially for the immigrating families of Ukraine and other war afflicted nations. Let us also intensify our prayers for the peace in the world especially between Russia and Ukraine. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Joseph, Pray for all families especially the immigrant and the suffering families”

Bible Reflections I 18.03.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Gen. 37: 3-4, 12-13. 17-28

          II - Mt. 21: 33-43, 45-46

                          

BE OPEN TO THE TRUTH

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the wicked tenants that beat up the servants and finally beat and kills the son of the owner too who were sent by the owner to collect the produce from his vineyard. This parable infuriated the chief priests and Pharisees because the parable of Jesus pointed at them directly. Though these people claimed themselves to be ‘the people of God’ and took pride in the same yet rebelled against almost all messengers of God whenever the message was not appealing to them. The same thing happened with Jesus too. They were not ready to listen to Jesus, the Messiah for whom they awaited so long years because they were too proud and were not open to the truth. Instead, the sinners, the tax collectors and the prostitutes accepted Jesus and his teaching making the concept of People of God, a universal one.   

We are not different from the Chief Priests and the Pharisees. We too are often ready to accept only the truth that are in line with our thought pattern and mind set. Instead today’s Gospel passage is an invitation to search for and accept the truth as it comes despite from whom or where it comes. The Bible says, “O that today you would listen to His voice, harden not your hearts” (Ps. 95:7). Let us with an open mind and heart be simple enough to accept and appreciate the truth as it comes to us through the Word of God, our conscience, friend and people around us. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to search for and accept the truth”.

Bible Reflections I 17.03.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Jer. 17: 5-10

          II - Lk. 16: 19-31

                          

CHARITY COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SIN

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.  The rich man was least bothered about Lazarus, the poor at his gate. He enjoyed his life in his riches and luxury while Lazarus suffered in his sickness and misery.  Lazarus appeared to be so invisible and insignificant to the rich man that he was absolutely indifferent and ignored him completely during his luxurious life time here on the earth.  But in the life after his death and departure from this world, Lazarus seated beside Abraham, appeared prominent so to him that he began pleading for himself and his brothers. Abraham refuses and rejects his requests.   In the parables of Jesus we find no name given to any person except Lazarus.  The name Lazarus is Latinised version of Eliezer meaning “God is my helper”.  In the Jewish tradition name signified the character of that person. Jesus would have purposely given this name because, the poor man Lazarus had no helper but God alone. The parable is not against riches and wealth but about what the rich man lacked viz. care, concern and compassion for Lazarus and therefore failed to lend him in charity. 

Everyone is blessed with some gifts by God solely for the purpose of sharing them with the ‘no persons’ like Lazarus viz. the poor, the marginalised, the oppressed and the suffering humanity. Being indifferent towards the problems and sufferings of the other is a grave sin and this would follow us even after our earthly existence here.  Charity covers a multitude of sin (1Pt. 4:8).  During this season of lent in particular, let us lift our eyes to look upon the needy brethren to lend our hands and means in charity with the intention of lifting them up from their poverty, hunger, pain, suffering and misery. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us a generous heart to share all we have with the poor and the needy”

Bible Reflections I 16.03.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Jer. 18: 18-20

          II - Mt. 20: 17-28

                          

NOT TO BE SERVED BUT TO SERVE

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus tries to explain about his rejection, suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection to his disciples while the mother of Zebedee asks of seats for his sons, one on the right and one on the left of the Son of Man. This infuriates the other disciples wherein Jesus intervenes to explain to them that greatness actually consists in being and becoming a servant and slave to others in the name of charity and service as willed by Jesus and projects himself as a model to them: “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”.

There is a supreme philosophical concept of charity in Indian tradition - Nishkama karma – self-less action done without any expectation of benefits and results. Just to go on serving as did Jesus without giving much weightage or in other words ignoring all praises, glory, honour, appreciation, insults and oppositions. Even if need arises in this process to give up life. Let the life of the Australian Missionary, Graham Stains who served the lepers of Odisha village, St. Mother Theresa who took care of the destitute and the dying in Calcutta and Bld. Rani Maria who worked for the tribals in Madhya Pradesh serve as examples to live modelled after our Master Jesus Christ. May our self-giving and self-less living testify to Christian living ignoring the temptation of becoming powerful. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make me like you”.

Bible Reflections I 15.03.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Is. 1: 10, 16-20

          II - Mt. 23: 1 - 12

                          

THE GREATEST MUST BE THE LEAST

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus instructs on what to follow and what to disregard. To follow whatever the scribes and the Pharisees taught as they were taking the seat of Moses and to disregard their hypocrisy and vain glory. Jesus, the Rabbi par excellence on the other hand replaces the weighing law of the scribes and the Pharisees with just two commandments: love of God and love of neighbour, in all humility and love. His preaching was substantiated with the personal example of washing the feet of his disciples: “You call me Master and Lord and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet you also should wash one another’s feet” (Jh. 13: 13-14). This is Christian charity and Christian living.

The Lord detests the proud (Prov. 3: 34) and scatters the proud hearted in the thoughts of their heart (Lk. 1:51). Most of us like those Pharisees wish to be greeted, esteemed, honoured and revered. Only the personal knowledge of oneself, in other words, personal awareness can help a person to ignore all these and keep focused in his/her going. Jesus knew that he was the Son of God, the Promised One and the Messiah and therefore he was able remain serene at all circumstances: when the people hailed him to be their king or abandoned by all, hanging on the cross. We are children of God and let this awareness help us to ignore all earthly desires and longings and trigger us to be focused in conducting ourselves as the children of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the grace to live like you in love and humility”

Bible Reflections I 14.03.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Dan. 9: 4-10

          II - Lk. 6: 36 - 38

                          

FORGIVE AND BE MERCIFUL

A forgiving heart neither condemns not judges but is empathetic and merciful. The two aspects of forgiveness are: one, it is a grace and two, it is conditional. Forgiveness is grace because human beings are fragile and prone to get offended easily. It is the grace of God that empowers one to be empathetic and magnanimous in forgiving the other. Forgiveness is conditional because in his prayer Jesus has taught us: “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”. Only in our generous forgiveness can we obtain the forgiveness of God for ourselves.  

The self-righteous and the rude, judges, the proud and the arrogant, condemns but the child of God is merciful and forgives. Forgiveness is the predominant quality of Christian living. We have a path set out by our Master Jesus Christ, who forgave even his offenders and the murderers. During this season of lent as we reflect on the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us ask God to give us the courage to tread that path of love, mercy and forgiveness. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to forgive our offenders”.

Bible Reflections I 13.03.2022 - Sunda i Indraya Manna I

Season of Lent: Week 2

Readings 

           I - Gen. 15: 5-12, 17-18

          II - Phil. 3: 17 - 4:1

         III - Lk. 9: 28-36

                          

FRIENDS OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST

Today’s Gospel passage is about the transfiguration of Jesus.  The apostles Peter, James and John, witnessed, heard and testified to this fact in their lives.  The three apostles witnessed Jesus on the mount glowing in the glory of God along with Moses and Elijah, the two giants of God whom they revered great, one as the law giver and the other as the messenger of God who turned the hearts of people towards God.  They heard a voice from the cloud saying, “This is my Son, My Chosen One; listen to him!”  And they testified to this fact that Jesus was the Son of God through their effective life of teaching, preaching and healing like their Master and finally, with boldness and courage gave up their lives too as a testimony to the Truth.

We as Christians are called to follow the foot prints of the apostles chalked out by Jesus our Lord.  This is why St. Paul in today’s second reading says to imitate him and observe the example of those who live for Jesus.  He calls those who fail to live their lives according to the teachings of Christ as “enemies of the cross of Christ”. It is the Father’s command that we obey Jesus.  Failing to do so we fail to be the followers of Christ and at the last Day of Judgment we might hear him saying, “I never knew you; go away from me”. Are we going to be the enemies of the Cross of Christ or friends of the Cross of Christ? The choice is ours.  Lent is a time to align our lives unto the ways of God.  May the season of Lent help us to be the effective witnesses of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, make me an authentic followers of yours”.

Bible Reflections I 12.03.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Deu. 26: 16-19

          II - Mt. 5: 43-48

                          

LOVE ALL AND HATE NONE

The tax collectors and gentiles were considered as sinners and outcasts and never as children of God.  Jesus picks up their idea and gives a different connotation, an inclusive one as to who the children of God are.  He inspires them to imbibe the quality of the impartial Father who make sun rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and unjust, in their love towards their neighbours.  He reverts the existing law, “Love your neighbour and hate your enemies” to love, greet and above all pray for the enemies.  In practicing this new teaching of Jesus anybody can become the children of God. 

Loving, greeting and praying for enemies is a challenge and it takes a lot of courage.  Only the grace of God can give us the courage to love all and hate none.  To love all and hate none though difficult, it is not impossible.  St. Pope John Paul II forgave the one who shot him, Bld. Rani Maria’s family accepted the murderer as one of their family member offering him their forgiveness.  May the lives of valiant saints inspire us to love all and hate none bearing witness to Christian charity. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to love all and hate none”.

Bible Reflections I 11.03.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Ezk. 18:  21-28

          II - Mt. 5: 20-26

                          

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS

Merely killing a person alone is not murder.  Words and gestures too can mutilate and murder a person.  This why in today’s Gospel passage Jesus teaches that not only those who murder are liable to judgment but those who are angry with others, those who insult and those who call others a fool.  Jesus conditions to come with a reconciled heart while making an offering to the Lord.  Reconciliation not that when we have offended someone but when we realise that someone has something against us - a supreme teaching that superseded the teaching of the Scribes and the Pharisees.  Jesus invites us to take initiative for peace and reconciliation.

Anger is the reflection of one’s pride and arrogance while reconciliation is a sign of acceptance and humility.  Love uproots pride, upholds humility of heart and aspires for reconciliation and peace. Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Mt. 5:9). The best example for the passage is Jesus’ forgiveness on the cross even to the people who crucified him. It was the people who had something against him that they crucified him though innocent was he but Jesus as the beloved of the Father, the Son of God, forgave them (Lk. 23:34).  As we are in the season of lent, let us pray for a humble heart to imitate Jesus in his love and forgiveness and testify to the fact that we are the children of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Jesus meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours”.

Bible Reflections I 10.03.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Esther 12: 14-16, 23-25

          II - Mt. 7: 7-12

                          

LOVE OTHERS AS YOURSELF 

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says to his disciples “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets”, a simple formula for mutual wellbeing, peace, serenity and prosperity. It’s a sort of invitation for introspection. All of us do wish from others: love, forgiveness, kindness, respect, cordiality, amicability, esteem, faithfulness, uprightness and loyalty.  But do we do the same to others? Don’t we gossip, underestimate, humiliate, brand and label persons thus projecting ourselves as someone righteous?  If we go by what Jesus says, the Kingdom of God is already here on the earth spreading the fragrance of equality, fraternity, justice and liberation.

Love others as yourself is the precondition before we could ask, seek or knock for anything to God.  In our love for our neighbour as oneself, will we be able to ask, seek or knock in and with charity.  Anything asked in and for charity will be instantly done to us for in loving others do we become acceptable and worthy children of God.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the grace to accept and love others as ourselves”.

Bible Reflections I 09.03.2022 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Jonah 3: 1-10

          II - Lk. 11: 29-32

                          

ASK NO SIGN FROM GOD

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that the people of Israel would not be given any sign except the sign of Jonah and the Queen of Sheba to believe in Jesus. Jonah was merely a messenger of God and the people of Nineveh adhered and turned their hearts towards God in repentance. The Queen of Sheba had to travel so far to listen to the witness the wisdom of King Solomon. Jesus was greater than Jonah because he was message himself and greater than Solomon because he was the Word made flesh - the Divine Word Himself. Still, the people of Israel asked Jesus for a sign in their stubbornness of heart though they heard his authoritative teaching, preaching; and witnessed so many miracles and wonders taking place.

We too like those people of Israel even if we happen to bear testimony to so may acts of love of God in our lives, we wait for miracles, signs and wonders. This is the sign of lack of love for and faith in God. We too like those people of Israel, look but do not perceive and; hear and do not listen. Let us today ask God for the gift of faith so that we be able to recognise Him even in the smallest happening in our lives. May our mind and hear resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, strengthen our faith in you”.

Bible Reflections I 08.03.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Is. 55: 10-11

          II - Mt. 6: 7-15

                          

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Today we celebrate the International Women’s Day. A day when the world recalls the values, capacity, capabilities, importance and dignity of women with appreciation and affirmation. There will be an umpteen number of organised programmes highlighting the qualities of woman right from her life to death; the wishes, poems, shorts, video clippings and the animated images the social media carry, my God! All a day’s show only! If this celebration inspire and induce one to respect the role and dignity of woman, then the celebration has achieved its purpose. If not, it is going to be a mere hypocrisy.     

In the Gospel passage of the day, Jesus asks the disciples not to heap words while praying like that of the hypocrites but to be religious in living the daily life in accomplishing God’s will and forgiving each other for a happy living here on the earth. As we celebrate the women’s day, give up the hypocrisy of mere celebration; and appreciate and respect the role and dignity of women. The creation of man and woman is so beautiful that one cannot exist without the other. No one is great or small, but equal in complimenting each other. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, lead us not into the temptation of hypocritical living”.

Bible Reflections I 07.03.2022 - Monday I Indraya Manna i

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Lev. 19: 1-2, 11-18

          II - Mt. 25: 31-46

                          

LOVE OF NEIGHBOUR IS LOVE OF GOD

There are so many divisions among the humankind today based on caste, creed, race, power and status but at the end of time during the last judgment when the Lord comes in all His glory, there will only be two division: the blessed and the accursed.  The Blessed will inherit the eternal life and the accursed, the eternal damnation. The division will solely be based on love and charity towards the needy, for love of love of neighbour is love of God - the New Commandment of Jesus. Simple acts of charity like, feeding the poor, giving a drink, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and the prisoners, all done in love has a great power to make us blessed in order to merit eternal bliss.   

“Trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle” says Michelangelo.  We need not perform great acts and penance as an expression of our love and devotion to the Lord.  It is enough that we attend to our needy brethren with all love and concern and this is true devotion, the type of worship the Lord desires. Let us not miss any act of charity for it all needs much of our attention and a bit of love. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make us sensitive to the needs of the other, all for your glory”.

Bible Reflections I 06.03.2022 - Sunday I Indraya Manna i

Season of Lent: Week 1

Readings 

           I - Deu. 26: 4-10

          II - Rom. 10: 8-13

         III - Lk. 4: 1-13

                          

THE TEMPTATIONS OF JESUS

Two incidents are vital in the life of Jesus before he could begin his public ministry: One, the Baptism and two, the temptations. In the baptism, God affirms that Jesus is His beloved Son and in temptations, Jesus aligns with the will of his Father. Today’s Gospel passage is on the temptations of Jesus upon which we shall place our reflection.

In the first temptation, the devil says Jesus to change the stones into bread and satisfy his hunger. It might seem a quite normal proposition. But hereby the evil one tempts Jesus to use His power upon himself that is supposed to be utilised to accomplish the will of God viz. empowering, uplifting, liberating and saving the humankind. We too are bestowed with various gifts and talents by God for a purpose. Often times we are tempted to utilise them only for personal benefits and gratification without even having a second thought about the needy brethren about whom God is very much concerned.   

In the second temptation, Satan promised to give Jesus the authority and power if only he worships him. To the one whom belongs all authority, glory, honour and power the devil tries to deceive promising to entrust his authority. Will the beloved one in whom the Father is well pleased be taken up by such a deceit! Today people are ready to do anything to gain power, popularity and fame. Everyone wishes and wants to be trending, famous and popular - the amount of videos regularly posted on the social media, the publicity created for a very small act of charity and the number of false statements made to people will testify to this fact. We always take delight in projecting ourselves as someone great and important, a temptation so difficult to resist. 

In the third temptation, the devil tempts Jesus to fall from the pinnacle of the temple so that God might command His angels to bear him up so that he doesn’t get hurt. Jesus does not yield to the evil one for he knows well the Father and therefore no test is required. For anything and everything we either ask sign from God or condition Him to accomplish for us, an evincing sign of our ‘no trust’ and thereby yielding to the temptation of testing God.   

Temptations are quite common and natural but how are we going to either resist or overcome depends on our trust in God. Jesus refutes all temptations with the Word of God. The Word of God is power. It strengthens, saves and uplifts. During this season of lent, let us take some time every day to read the Word of God with the sole intention of searching and accomplishing the will of God. May our mind and hear resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the grace to be victorious in all temptations like you”

Bible Reflections I 05.03.2022 - Saturday I Indraya Manna I

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Readings 

           I - Is. 58: 9-14

          II - Lk. 5: 27-32

                            

LISTEN TO HIS VOICE

The tax collectors were loyal to the Romans and greedy in charging more to earn for themselves and therefore they were intent and resolute in their collection from the common people. This is why the people of Israel criticised and considered them as sinners and outcasts. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus calls one such tax collector, Matthew at his tax office. From among all noise, yelling and confusion at the tax office, Matthew rightly captures the call of Jesus and gets captivated to the extent of leaving everything and following him with no compromises.

The gentle voice of the Lord comes, comes and ever comes through various persons and different means to us as well despite the state we are in, all in love and full of compassion. How attentive and disposed are we to capture that voice? May our devotions and practices during this season of lent help us to adhere to the voice of God and return to Him. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to listen to your voice”.

Bible Reflections I 04.03.2022 - Friday I Indraya Manna I

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Readings 

           I - Is. 58: 1-9

          II - Mt. 9: 14-1

                            

COME BACK TO THE LORD

Fasting is sign of mourning.  It is unfitting for anyone to mourn in the presence of Jesus.  This is why in today’s Gospel passage Jesus says to the disciples of John the Baptist who enquired why his disciples do not fast, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?  The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them and then they will fast”.  Jesus, the saviour wishes and wills to be always with us.  But with our anger, jealousy, hatred, pride, ego, selfishness and greed we try to eliminate, alienate and evade his presence in our life.  Lent is the grace full season, a season of blessing and beckoning to return back to the Lord through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  

St.  Pope John Paul II says, “Jesus himself has shown us by his own example that prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil”. May our fasting, prayer, abstinence and acts of charity draw us towards the heart of Jesus in love and self-giving.  At the end of the day take some time to reflect with all the practices and efforts whether we were able to be drawn towards the heart of Jesus that loves us unconditionally and unreservedly.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Draw me close to your love Lord”

Bible Reflections I 03.03.2022 - Thursday I Indraya Manna I

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Readings 

           I - Deu. 30: 15-20

          II - Lk. 9: 22-25

                          

CARRY YOUR CROSSES CHEERFULLY

Any campaign, canvass, promotion and recruitment would advocate the advantages, merits, benefits, profits and gains. Jesus in today’s Gospel passage cautions of denial, suffering, crosses and rejection including loss of life here on the earth on account of following him; and an assurance of eternal life with him in Paradise after our earthly existence, the absolute advantage of following him here on the earth.  

Jesus says, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Mt. 11:30). With Jesus no cross is heavy to carry. In following Jesus alone vests happiness, comfort, consolation, sense of purpose and peace of mind and heart despite the challenges and the trials we may happen to encounter. Dare to tread on the road travelled by Jesus and his valiant followers. May the traditional practices of the lent: Prayer, Penance and charity help us to blow of the ashes and keep alive the fervor of following the Lord with courage and determination. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the courage to carry our crosses cheerfully and for your glory”.

Bible Reflections I 02.03.2022 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I

Ash Wednesday

Readings 

           I - Joel. 2: 12-18

          II - 2 Cor. 5: 20-6:2

          II - Mt. 6: 1-6, 16-18

                        

RETURN TO THE LORD

Lent is a time of repentance for offending the loving God, a time of renewal of our covenant with God and a time of return to the Lord for we belong to God.  We begin our forty days of fast from today focusing on the three ways given in the Gospel passage of the day: Prayer, Fasting and Alms giving. Pope Francis has based his message for lent 2022 on the verses from St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.  So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all” (6:9-10) and connects to the traditional Lenten practices:

• “Let us not grow tired of praying” - realising we need God and others.

• “Let us not grow tired of uprooting evil from our lives” - embracing fasting to fortify ourselves from the battle against sin

• “Let us not grow tired of doing good” - giving joyfully and generously to those in need.

The methodology is prescribed by Jesus: all in patience, silence and secrecy without much publicity unlike the hypocrites, known and noticed only by the Father in Heaven and be rewarded by Him alone.  Let us all through the lent remember the words of Pope Francis in order to yield hundredfold, “the soil is prepared by fasting, watered by prayer and enriched by charity”.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord help me never grow tired of praying, uprooting evil from my life and doing good to others”