Bible Reflections I 01.05.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 3

Readings 

           I - Acts 5: 27-32, 40-41

          II - Rev. 5: 11-14

          II - Jn. 21: 1-19

       

MAY DAY - ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER

We are stepping into the third Sunday of the Easter Season. Since May 1st is celebrated as ‘Workers Day’, we shall base our reflection on the sanctifying effect of work in the plan of God. This day recognises God as creator, redeemer and sustainer, the ONE who is always at work. Jesus says, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working” (Jn. 5: 17) and hence the dignity of work and that of the workers has its source in God. Jesus served God in His work, we are also exhorted to serve God in our work. Jesus saved the world working in obedience to the will of His father. We are also called to work for the sanctification of self and that of the world as St. Paul would say, “Whatever you do, work with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human master, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Col. 3: 23-24).

The Church today look at St. Joseph, the worker as a model for all workers. St. Joseph through his hard work has shown the dignity and salvific importance of human work. He had been the guardian, provider and protector of the Holy Family through the hard toil of his hands. Jesus had been at the workshop of his father helping him and working along with him as responsible and obedient son of his parents (Lk. 2: 51). Dignity of life depends upon the dignity of work and no work is inferior or superior for the goal of work is simple: provision for worldly sustenance and inheritance of sanctification. Through the intercession of St. Joseph, the worker, we shall pray for all the workers and in particular for those who have lost their jobs due to various reasons, the unemployed, those who consider work as a burden and those who do not respect the dignity of labour. May the Lord bless all the workers with their deserving rewards. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, bless all the workers”.

Bible Reflections I 30.04.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts 6: 1-7

          II - Jn. 6: 16-21

                  

FOCUS ON GOD RATHER THAN PROBLEMS

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus walking on the water. With darkness around, rough sea and strong wind the disciples were able to row the boat about three or four miles with great difficulty to sail safely. They were so much engrossed in their problem that they were not able to identify their master who came towards them walking on the water but were terrified. With Jesus the boat sailed safe on the shore.

In our life too when are faced with challenges, difficulties, anxieties, worries and problems we seem to strain ourselves in all ways to come out of the same forgetting the presence of the Master our Lord Jesus Christ in our lives. With Jesus burdens become light (Mt. 11: 30). We often forget this and toil hard to sail safe from all that bother us. Instead recognise the presence of the Lord and experience everyday miracles happening in our lives. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to focus on you rather than our problems”

Bible Reflections I 29.04.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts 5: 34-42

          II - Jn. 6: 1-15

                 

IN THE LORD IS OUR HOPE

Today’s Gospel passage is about the multiplication of the loaves. Jesus asks Phillip, “Where are we to but bread for these people to eat?” To this question Jesus get two responses from two persons: Phillip and Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. Phillips responds saying, “six month’s wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little” but Andrew responds, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish”. One gets bewildered while the other brings something. Jesus blessed that something to the extent of getting the leftover filled in twelve baskets even after feeding the multitude of at least five thousand men.  

We are likely to give up hope in bewilderment at the face of trying situations like Phillip. Hopelessness would blur or blind us from the openings, possibilities, opportunities and chances that the situation holds in grip. Panicky might prevent from discovering the ways and means to solve the problems that we encounter. We are in the Easter season that echoes the message of ‘hope’ loud and clear. The risen Lord is always with us as did he with his apostles and we are only to have faith in him, like Andrew, offering the mite we have with which he can perform wonder to the astonishment of all. Trust in the Lord and all thing are possible. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith at the face of trials in particular”.

Bible Reflections I 28.04.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts 5: 27-33

          II - Jn. 3: 31-36

                  

BELIEVE IN THE LORD JESUS

Jesus is the perfect revelation of God’s love and he came to save the world from eternal damnation to eternal life. Jesus taught with authority (Mt. 7: 29); dealt with compassion (Mt. 9: 36); moved about doing good (Acts 10:38) and forgave even the executioners who crucified him to the cross (Lk. 23: 34) and all these testified that he was from above. He had been the absolute witness of God’s love in all His thoughts, words and deeds. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that he was from above and that anyone who believes in him inherits eternal life.

The easiest way to attain eternal life is to believe in the Lord Jesus. Believing in Jesus means daring to walk on the path that he tread - the path of freedom, fraternity and justice. It is accepting the light of Christ and becoming one to others. The best way to express our trust and faith in the Lord is to project him in our lives. As Jesus bears testimony to the love of the Father may we his followers bear testimony to the love of our Lord in our day to day living and in this way shall we be identified his witnesses to the world. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be the witness of your love”.

Bible Reflections I 27.08.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts 5: 17-27

          II - Jn. 3: 16-21      

         

LOVE GOD, LOVE TRUTH

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that God sent His only Son Jesus because He loved the world so much. God wanted that everyone be saved and inherit the eternal life. To be saved and to inherit eternal life is simple: to believe in the one sent into the world, His Son and our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who desire and does what is true naturally accept Jesus, the Light sent into the world. Those who live in the dark are not so much comfortable with light because they are evil and so they dislike God, the ultimate One, Good, Truth and Beauty.

In the light of the Gospel passage of day, analyse our attitude towards the truth. If we are carried away by the fantasies of the world we would naturally avoid God because His principles are too demanding and appear to be highly impractical. But those who love truth and live by the same come what may, would stand by and with God who loves them so much even to the extent of allowing His Son to be crucified for our salvation. Live in truth and topsy turvy the world with the Gospel values. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, lead us to the truth”.

Bible Reflections I 26.04.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts 4: 32-37

          II - Jn. 3: 7-15

                

JESUS - THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says, “no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the son of man”.  Therefore only Jesus can show us the way to the Father. The rebellious Israel bitten by poisonous snakes had to look up to the bronze snake set by Moses on the pole as commanded by God in order to be saved from death. We were dead to sin but were saved by the precious blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross.  If we like the people of Israel wish to be saved, we have to look up to the crucified Lord on the Cross.  Looking up to him means repentance of heart and resolution to avoid sin with the firm faith in the Lord, trust in his mercy and hope in his love for he alone can lead us to the Father.

Let us not pick up bench marks from the deteriorating world or set standards that are counter to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.  As Jesus says Nathanael we have to be born of the spirit.  Being born or the spirit is being led by the teachings of Jesus Christ who descended from the Father and who know the way to Him as well.  Look up to him for the way, the truth and the life.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, lead us to the Father”.

Bible Reflections I 25.04.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - 1Pt. 5: 5-14

          II - Mk. 16: 15-20

Mark, Evangelist (Feast)

              

YOU ARE MY WITNESSES

Proclamation of the Good News is not the task of the eleven apostles alone but the primary responsibility of every baptised as well. Jesus sends them with gifts and signs that would prove their credibility as believers in Christ: gift of tongues, will be able to pick up snakes in their hands, be unharmed even if they were to drink deadly poison and heal the sick. The eleven went out and proclaimed the Good News vehemently with conviction.  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Mark, the evangelist. St. Mark was not an apostle but was a disciple of St. Peter. He was a missionary companion of St. Paul and St. Barnabas. The lion is the symbol of St. Mark because his Gospel account begins with the preaching of John the Baptist as that of the roaring lion for repentance. St. Mark took the Gospel to Egypt and died as a martyr in Alexandria. St. Mark was a passionate preacher, courageous coworker of St. Paul and a valiant martyr for Christ. May St. Mark intercede for us that we be authentic witnesses and courageous followers of Christ. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be your effective follower”.

Bible Reflections I 24.04.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Week 2

Readings 

           I - Acts. 5: 12-15

          II - Rev. 1: 9-13, 17-19

         III - Jn. 20: 19-31

Divine Mercy Sunday

         

HAVE FAITH; BE MERCIFUL

Faith and mercy are the two indispensable requirements of Christian living. We shall base our reflection on the same.

“Seeing is believing” and “Believing is seeing” are the two common expressions and one is totally different from the other. “Seeing is believing” is earthly, scientific and require evidence but “Believing is seeing” is heavenly, miraculous and require faith. St. Thomas, who refused to believe the witness of the other disciples fall under the first category. In today’s Gospel passage St. Thomas doubts in the resurrection of the Lord and insists that “Until I see I will not believe”. But after seeing Jesus he makes an extraordinary confession of faith, “My Lord and my God”. To him Jesus replies, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe”. The opposite of doubt is faith. Faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11: 1). Don’t we too like St. Thomas doubt though we have seen and experienced many marvelous and miraculous things happen in our lives? Stop doubting and start believing, that’s faith!

Today the Church celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday. A day dedicated to recall the mercy of God in Jesus Christ, His Son, and the perfect revelation of God’s merciful love. Caiaphas the high priest said, “It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (Jn. 11: 50) but to Jesus who was crucified by them, even one sheep would tantamount to ninety nine for he says, “I guarded them and not one of them perished…” (Jh. 17: 12). This is mercy of God! May we today in faith ask for His mercy, in our turn be merciful to others and trust in him completely with utmost faith. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, I trust in your mercy”.

Bible Reflections I 23.04.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Octave (Saturday)

Readings 

           I - Acts. 4: 13-21

          II - Mk. 16: 9-15

         

BE JOYFUL EASTER PEOPLE OF GOD

The witness of Mary Magdalene about the risen Lord and the testimony of the two disciples about their Emmaus Journey with the risen Lord did not suffice to convince the other disciples about the resurrection of the Lord. Finally Jesus appeared to the eleven themselves and upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness to believe in the witness of Mary Magdalene and the testimony of the two disciples. Because he had already told them when he was with them that he would rise from the dead after three days of his death on the cross. Admonishing the disciples for their lack of faith, Jesus commissions them to go into the world and proclaim the good news to the whole of creation.

In the light of the Gospel passage of the day, let us examine our faith in the Lord Jesus especially during the times of crisis, problems, worries, fear and anxiety. The fruit of faith is joy. Easter people are joyful people for Jesus has set victory to us through his death and resurrection. Therefore stand sturdy at testing moments with the faith that the Lord is with us like powerful warrior (Jer. 20: 11). This faith in the Lord would fill us with serenity and lead us to a joyful living thereby making us a joyful witness of Christ wherever we are. In the silence of mind and heart keep repeating throughout the day to yourself: “Jesus is with me, Let nothing and none disturb me”.

Bible Reflections I 22.04.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Octave (Friday)

Readings 

           I - Acts. 4: 1-12

          II - Jn. 21: 1-14

         

THE BEGINNING…

The disciples thought that with the Crucifixion of Jesus on the cross it was “The End” while it was actually “The Beginning”.  In today’s Gospel passage Peter decides to go back to resume his life fishing and all the other disciples too consent to go with him giving up all their hope.  Jesus surprises them with a mighty catch recalling the mighty catch of the past at Galilee when he was with them.  Peter recognising his Master Jesus Christ runs towards him leaving his boat, fish and net with renewed hope in the new beginning to be his witness and to tend his people, the Church.

The message of the Risen Lord is the hope that he offers.  Never give up at the face of difficulties and trials for the risen Lord is with us infusing new hope and the blessed assurance of his presence with us until the end of time (Mt. 28: 20). When you feel that it’s “The End” and everything is gone, Jesus can make it “The Beginning” - this is the hope of resurrection.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, bless us with hope in you”

Bible Reflections I 21.04.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Octave (Thursday)

Readings 

           I - Acts. 3: 11-26

          II - Lk. 24: 35-48

         

“PEACE TO YOU”

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus appearing to the disciples, down with shattered dreams and lost hope, with his unique message of, “Peace to you” thereby restoring their hope and rejuvenating their faith.  The disciples in their despair were neither able to believe the women nor the two disciples who said that they had seen the Lord.  Jesus clarifies the confused disciples with his presence and blesses them with his peace. 

Jesus as Prophet Isaiah says is the “Prince of Peace” (Is. 9: 6).  The economic emergency in Sri Lanka, stringent lockdown at Shanghai, the war between Ukraine and Russia fan fired by the European Union that arouse the fear of the World War III in minds of the people around the world, the plight of the migrants and the immigrants and the prevailing racism and communalism make mankind to cry aloud to God for His “Peace”.  May the risen Lord fill each of us and the world at large with His peace as we throughout the day keep praying in the silence of our hearts: “Risen Lord, bless the world and our families with your peace!”

Bible Reflections I 20.04.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Octave (Wednesday)

Readings 

           I - Acts. 3: 1-10

          II - Lk. 24: 13-35

         

STAY WITH US JESUS

Today’s Gospel passage is about the walk to Emmaus where the two disciples failed to recognise Jesus though he was walking along with them talking and interpreting the things about him in the scriptures.  Disappointment and despair kept their eyes from discovering Jesus.  They were unable to believe anything beyond all that had happened just three days before.  In yesterday’s Gospel passage we read that Mary was able to recognise Jesus as he just called out her name, “Mary”.  But even the long conversation of Jesus with his disciples could not help them to find Jesus, walking with them.  With the breaking of the bread their eyes were opened and they recognised him.

Jesus is with us always and at all times. But the fears, troubles, anxieties, worries, setbacks, struggles, confusions and failures might keep our eyes from discovering Jesus.  Still, are we able to encounter the Lord live as he comes to meet us in the Holy Eucharist? If not, ask God to gift us with the spirit of love, faith and hope to discover him so as to gain strength to combat the struggles of life with courage, hope and optimism.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to discover your ever abiding presence in our lives”.

Bible Reflections I 19.04.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Tuesday

Readings 

           I - Acts. 2: 36-41

          II - Jn. 20: 11-18

         

SEEK AND YOU WILL FIND

“Seek and you will find” (Mt. 7: 7) is the crux of the Gospel passage today. Mary was searching ardently for the body of the Lord with all her heart in tears, anxiety and worry. She was intent in her search for the Lord. This is why Mary was able to discover Jesus in his “Mary”. Though Mary mistook Jesus for the gardener she recognised him instantly when Jesus called out her name. Mary sought for Jesus and she did find him in deed!

We do seek for Jesus in our prayer, reading of Bible, listening to good words and in every event that we encounter but do we find him in them all? We miss him because may be we don’t seek him intently like Mary with all our hearts. The heart that searches in hope discovers. As we are in the season of Easter let us ask for the grace to fix our hearts on God so that we might find him in the persons we relate, words that we hear, scriptures we read and in trials we face. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to seek you and discover you in all the events of my daily life”.

Bible Reflections I 18.04.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Easter Monday

Readings 

           I - Acts. 2: 14, 22-33

          II - 1Cor. 28: 8-15

         

WEAK IS STRONG

The witness of one man has the power to score off the witness of say even a hundred women in the Jewish tradition. This means that the witness of women is no witness at all. But Jesus makes women the first witnesses of his resurrection. This is Jesus’ style! Simultaneously on the other hand, the elders and the chief priests with their money, power and influence decides to cover up the truth about the resurrection of Jesus by spreading false rumours.

The truth, the powerful message of the resurrection, was in the fragile hands of the woman while the untruth, the weak fabricated rumour was in the sturdy hands of the temple authorities. Still, the truth was loud and clear that it reached almost all parts of the world beating down the rumour of the chief priests and the elders. This is Easter hope. Fear not about the cunning and deceitful activities of the people around you. Truth will one day come to the forefront overtaking all that is untruthful however weak and helpless we are for weak is strong in the hands of God. Let our mind and resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill me with Easter hope”

Bible Reflections I 17.04.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

           I - Acts. 10: 33, 37-43

          II - 1Cor. 3: 1-4

         III - Jh. 20: 1-9

         

EASTER SUNDAY

Alleluia! The tomb is empty! Jesus is risen! “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Cor. 15: 55-57).  When the chief priests were plotting to put away with Jesus, Caiaphas, the high priest said, “It is better for you that one man die for the people than the whole nation perish” (Jn. 11: 49-50).  But it all happened the other way round that one man Jesus died on the cross to save the entire universe form sin, death and shame because he came that we may have life and life to the full (Jh. 10: 10).

Moses took the people through the red sea to reach the Promised Land. Jesus, the New Moses through his death and resurrection has created a way, a path for us towards heaven.  A path secured to paradise! All we have to do is to believe in the Lord Jesus in order to be saved as the bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household” (Acts. 16:31). Good Fridays end with Easter, no gain without pain and no crown without a cross.  Easter assures for joy, hope and peace in Christ despite the encircling darkness and despairs of the worl.  Joy that Jesus is for us and so we would be victorious; hope that Jesus is with us and so we would never fail; and peace that we are save by Jesus and so we would inherit eternal life as children of God.  All we have to do is to trust in Jesus.  As we celebrate the victory of Jesus upon sin and death, let us ask him for the grace to hold on to him at all circumstances without giving up our hope, peace and joy.  May our mind and resonate repeating: “Alleluia! Jesus is risen!”

Bible Reflections I 15.04.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Readings 

           I - Is. 52: 13 - 53: 12

          II - Heb. 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9

         III - Jh. 18: 1 - 19: 42

         

GOOD FRIDAY

In the book of Leviticus (Ch. 16) we read that on the day of atonement Aaron set two goats at the entrance of the tent of the meeting: one for sin offering to the Lord and other for sending as scapegoat. Two lots would be set over the goats.  The goat upon which the lot falls for the Lord would be set aside for sin offering to the Lord and other goat, the scapegoat will be presented alive before the Lord and be sent away into the wilderness.  Aaron would lay his hands on the scapegoat, confess all the inequities of the people of Israel and will finally be driven into the wilderness where it would die bearing the sins of the people symbolizing that the people are set free from their sins by the atoning work of the scapegoat.  It was a never ending process because, “sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned” (Rom. 5: 12).  On the other hand God’s eyes are too pure that He can never look upon evil and tolerate the wrongdoings of the people (Hab. 1: 13).  To end this process and reconcile people with God once and for all Jesus gave away his life on the cross fulfilling the words of John the Baptist when he publicly introduced Jesus saying, “Behold! The Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29).    

There are three types of ‘giving’ in love: one, to give from what we have; two, to give all that we have and; three to give all that we have and all that we are as well.  Jesus’ love is of the third type.  “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:1-8).  Hence the Cross becomes the sign and symbol of God’s unfathomable love for us.  On this Good Friday we would partake in the ceremony, Ritual and Liturgy prescribed by the Church, mourn and weep for the sufferings inflicted upon Jesus and often too criticize those people who crucified him, forgetting that every time we go against the commandment of love, we do crucify Jesus on Calvary. Let us resolve to prove ourselves as Christians in our love for our neighbour and please God in loving our neighbour.  May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Thank you Jesus for your love and benevolence”.

Bible Reflections I 14.04.2022 - HOLY THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA

Readings 

           I - Ex. 12: 1-8, 11-14

          II - 1Cor. 11: 23-26

         III - Jh. 13: 1-11

         

HOLY THURSDAY

Today the Churches remembers the Passover of Jesus and his farewell meal with his disciples. The three significant events of the day are: Commandment of love, Institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Institution of the Priesthood.  

Commandment of Love: By washing the feet of his disciples Jesus gives a new orientation to leadership and authority as service: “You call me ‘Master’ and ‘Lord’, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (Jh. 13: 13-15). By the act of Jesus we are exhorted to stoop down to the level of the least of our brethren with an attitude of humility and service with an attitude of "love one another as I have loved you" and this is the style of leadership modelled after our Master Jesus Christ. 

Institution of the Holy Eucharist: The first reading is about the Lord’s Passover that that marked the liberation of the people of Israel under the leadership of Moses, from the bondage of the Egyptians. An unblemished lamb was killed as a sign of the Passover. The night before our Lord Jesus suffered on the cross, he established a new covenant with his disciples, a Passover to be celebrated perennially as a remembrance of his presence with us until he comes again in his glory. In the New covenant that Jesus established, Jesus Himself was the innocent Lamb of God, who willingly and lovingly gave us his body and blood as our food and drink for our pursuit of a journey towards eternal life assuring liberation from sin to eternal bliss. May we take part in the meal of the Lord with profound love and sentiments of gratitude.

Institution of the Priesthood: A priest is an embodiment of Christ Himself. Priests administer the Holy Sacraments and lead the flock of God tending them carefully unto his fold through their sacrificing life of service, love, dedication and commitment. It is impossible even to imagine the Church without priests! Priesthood is a grace to the individual and a gift to the Church. On this great day, pray for the priests who make visible the presence of Jesus Christ on the altar for His people. Let us today praise God for priests, pray in a special way for them and invoke Him for many more priestly vocations in the Church.

May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank you for your body and blood, teach us to be like you in our loving service towards our neighbour and bless our priests who make a lot of sacrifices on our behalf”.

Bible Reflections I 13.04.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Wednesday of the Holy Week

Readings 

           I - Is. 50: 4-9

          II - Mt. 26: 14-25

         

GOD IS OUR TREASURE

Jesus says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt. 6: 21). The treasure for Judas was money and therefore for thirty pieces of silver his mind was seeking for an opportune moment to deliver Jesus into the hands of the chief priests. He was physically present with his Master and the other disciples in the Passover celebration while his heart was hounding to betray Jesus for the thirty pieces of silver. Had his treasure been the Master, he wouldn’t have dared to betray him!     

Lent is a time to set our heart on God for He is our treasure. Has this season of lent helped us to check our mind and heart in order to put them on the track with God? If not, at least during this holy week let us test our mind, examine our heart and amend our ways unto the ways of the Lord. In this way we can partake in the Holy Week worship with a humble, contrite, repentant and grateful heart. May our mind heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus help me to discover you as the great treasure and a priceless pearl”

Bible Reflections I 12.04.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Tuesday of the Holy Week

Readings 

           I - Is. 49: 1-6

          II - Jn. 13: 21-33, 36-38

         

ACCEPT AND AMEND YOUR WAYS

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus foretelling the betrayal of Judas. Judas, the one who shared his table, cup, roof and his very life became a traitor. In yesterday’s Gospel passage we read that Judas was a thief and that he used to steal from the common purse for which he was in charge. The Scribes, the Pharisees and the Chief priests used this weakness of Judas to betray Jesus promising him of thirty pieces of silver in exchange. Judas in his greed for money betrayed his master unto the master plan of the Scribes, the Chief priests and the Pharisees.  

Our weakness often becomes a set snare for our pitfalls. We err not in our willfulness but in weakness. Excuses cannot be the remedy for the same but awareness and amendment of our weakness is essential. May this intense season of lent, the holy week help us to check our faults and correct our failings. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to accept and amend my ways”

Bible Reflections I 11.04.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Monday of the Holy Week

Readings 

           I - Is. 42: 1-7

          II - Jn. 12: 1-11

         

LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD

Jesus was in the constant surveillance of the Scribes, the Pharisees and the Chief Priests. Every word, act and move of Jesus was noted for plotting against him. Psychology records that constant surveillance leads to heightened levels of fatigue, stress and anxiety. Jesus like any other human being would have sought for a place where he could be of himself: loved, accepted, understood and attended. So Jesus goes to Bethany, the home of Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary where he was sure to get acceptance, comfort, consolation and affection before he could take up the painful and humiliating journey from Jerusalem to Calvary. And indeed in this house, as the Gospel passage records, Martha served, Lazarus was reclining with him at table and Mary was anointing his feet with a fragrant perfume that was expensive - perfect expression of their love and affection.        

We are in the holy week of the Lenten season meditating on the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. A time to realise and respond to the love of Jesus who suffered humiliation, passion and death for our sake. Like, Lazarus, Mary and Martha let us try to respond to God’s love in our own way through various expressions of our love for God and our neighbour. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to respond to your love”.

Bible Reflections I 10.04.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 6

Readings 

           I - Is. 50: 4-7

          II - Phil. 2: 6-11

         III - Lk. 22: 14-23:56

 

PALM SUNDAY

Today we recall and celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the Holy City of God. On this day let us base our reflection on three groups of people who either witnessed or participated in the great and remarkable entry of Jesus into Jerusalem: the common crowd that welcomed Jesus, the temple authorities that plotted against Jesus and the group of twelve disciples that had the pride of being Jesus’ followers.

The common crowd welcomed Jesus shouting aloud to the top of their voices “Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord”. These people recognised and accepted Jesus to be their Messiah, the Promised One of God from all his teaching, preaching, healing and from his very life for that matter. But the same crowd would in about a week’s time would cry out with their might, “Crucify him”. The crowd that gets easily influenced by power and authority!

The temple authorities viz. the Pharisees, the Scribes and the high priest were suspicious from the beginning about the identity of Jesus plotted to put away with him. On looking at this procession they would have been provoked all the more for an immediate act of putting an end to his life. The authorities that gets infuriated at the very presence of Jesus! 

The dear disciples of Jesus who were following the triumphal entry would have taken pride to belong to such a great Master and would have resolved to be with him forever. These people in a week’s time would give up their master by betraying, denying and running away from him. The disciples that abandoned their Master!

Jesus - the suffering servant of the Yahweh as foretold by prophet Isaiah and the one who emptied himself to the will of the Father, would take up this glorious welcome of a King and at the same time the journey of his cross to Calvary in utmost obedience to the Father and with a great trust in Him. The “Crucify him” (Lk. 23: 21) of the crowd, “We have no king but Caesar” (Jn. 19: 15) of the temple authorities and the “I don’t know him” (Lk. 22: 57) of the Rock would have definitely pained Jesus but never prevented him from fixing his focus on the Father’s will. He went on and on seeking and accomplishing the will of the Father until “It is finished” (Jh. 19:30). May we too as we remember the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, ask God to give us a strong courage and conviction to seek and accomplish God’s will in our lives come what may! Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, help and teach me to be like you”.

Bible Reflections I 09.04.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 5

Readings 

           I - Ezk. 37: 21-28

          II - Jn. 11: 45-57

                          

DIFFERENCE IS BEAUTIFUL

In today’s Gospel passage, the Pharisees and the Chief priests conspires to kill Jesus because he appeared to be a scandalous Rabbi of the time: he gave preference to love over their law, humanity over Sabbath, holiness over profanity. He was different in his dealings, practical in his approach, simple was his law - love and all inclusive was spirituality: the sinners, tax collectors, Samaritans, woman and the children. In a nutshell, in Jesus was happening a paradigm shift in their concept of God, Law and Religion. So, under the pretext of saving his people, they wanted to do away with Jesus.

Difference is beautiful. We can never expect everyone to fit into our mindset or the set rules that are baseless. Failure to accept and analyse the difference in Jesus, led the Pharisees and the chief priests to the extent of crucifying him on the cross. Do not hate or ostracise someone because they are different. Analyse the truth in them, accept the difference and appreciate their presence with us. In this way we become like those Jews who went with Mary discovering him to be the Messiah and if otherwise, we will end up like those other Jews who went and joined the Pharisees for plotting against Jesus.

Task: Take some quite moments to examine whether you are displeased with or hate someone; try to find out the reason for the same and try to reconcile bearing witness to our Christian identity. 

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, lead me to the truth”

Bible Reflections I 08.04.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 5

Readings 

           I - Jer. 20: 10-13

          II - Jn. 10: 31-42

                          

BE OPEN TO THE TRUTH

In today’s Gospel passage, the stubbornness of the Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees and the Jews shut their heart, mind and eyes from the teaching, preaching, healing and the very life of Jesus. On the other hand, the openness of the common people across River Jordan where John the Baptist had baptized, allowed them to discover that everything that John the Baptizer had said about Jesus being fulfilled in him. So they believed him to be the ‘Messiah’, the Promised one of God. The arrogant, proud and stubborn heart can never accept or discover the truth. But the simple and open heart discovers and accepts the truth. Jesus himself became so helpless to the accusations of these stubborn people.  

It is easy to accuse people unjustly and hide the truth that is in them. Learn to endure with Jesus and one day truth will triumph. In our turn let us not be rash in our words and actions but take time to discover the truth even if it is going to hurt us for God is truth Himself. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus give me the grace to be open to the truth"

Bible Reflections I 07.04.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 5

Readings 

           I - Gen. 17: 3-9

          II - Jn. 8: 51-59

                          

TRUST IN THE LORD 

In the first reading, God gives a new identity to Abram by changing his name as Abraham - meaning ‘the father of many nation’. God enters into a covenant with Abraham and promises to make him into nations from whom all kings would come - a race set apart to behold the Messiah. The genealogy of Jesus begins from Moses! Abraham trusted and everything was done to him. In the Gospel passage Jesus promises of eternal life to humankind and the Jews wouldn’t believe but call Jesus as ‘possessed’. The Jews considered Abraham their forefather as someone great and argued that Abraham too had to encounter death. In spite of the explicit explanation of Jesus, the Jews adamantly refused to trust in Jesus and in his promise about eternal life. 

Abraham trusted in the words of God and so was everything done to him. The Jews had placed their trust in the God of their own ideology, principles and mindset. Therefore they refused to trust in Jesus and hence they had to miss the Messiah for whom they waited so long even for generation after generation. In this light let us examine our lives to find out where we have placed our trust: ideology, power, wealth, position, status, people and strength or are we open to the promised of the Lord in the Scripture, from the people and through the events.

Task: The Bible says, “Blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust” (Ps. 40: 4). Take some quiet moments to examine: Where and in what have I placed my trust?

Prayer: In the silence of heart keep repeating the prayer “Lord Jesus, I trust in you”.

Bible Reflections I 06.04.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 5

Readings 

           I - Dan. 3: 14-20, 24, 91-92, 95

          II - Jn. 8: 31-42

                          

FOLLOW THE LORD WITH CONVICTION 

According to the first reading, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were brought before the king for trial because they did not worship the golden statue set up by the king. Nebuchadnezzar, the king who sentenced them to be thrown into the blazing furnace said, “Who is the God that will deliver you out of my hands?” To such a challenging question of the king the three holy men replied with a resolute determination, "If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of you hand, O king, let him deliver us. But if not be it know to your king that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set us”. The infuriated king commanded them to be thrown into the furnace heated up seven times more than was customary. Finally God did save them in the blazing furnace.

The three men worshiped the Lord their God with great conviction that He alone was their God and to Him alone belongs all worship, adoration, glory, honour and power. They were ready to give up their life in the furnace than to bow down before an idol! They had tremendous trust in the Lord but never did they take up the challenge of Nebuchadnezzar to test the saving power of the Lord their God. In this light let us examine our lives. So many Christians today conceal their identity for a reward, favour, benefit and for the pleasures of the world. Easily give up Christ our Saviour for the sake of persons, fear of persecution and social acceptance. 

Task: Today take some time to sit quietly and contemplate the scene of the first reading, put ourselves in the place of the three holy men, observe our emotions, reactions and response and self-examine our faith and trust in the Lord.

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to accept and worship you with courage and conviction”.

Bible Reflections I 05.04.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 5

Readings 

           I - Num. 21: 4-9

          II - Jn. 8: 21-30

                         

UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE

Misunderstanding is one thing and neglecting to understand is another. In today’s Gospel passage, the Scribes and the Pharisees do not want to understand Jesus at all. This is why Jesus would quote Prophet Isaiah to them and say, “Seeing they shall see and not see, and hearing they shall hear and they shall not understand” (Mk. 4: 12). In their stubbornness and hardness of heart, the Scribes and the Pharisees missed the Messiah in Jesus. This is why they also plotted to put him away to death.    

Each one of us is unique and different. Each one is also sent into the world with some purpose that God has for them. Hence all cannot be the same. In finding fault and neglecting to understand others we miss the originality, possibilities, potentialities, goodness and the worth of the other. Trying to understand others from their perspective would help us to appreciate and savour the blessings in the other instead of blaming, finding fault, gossiping, accusing and condemning. May the Lord bless us with the magnanimity of heart to go beyond ourselves in discovering and understanding the truth in the other. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, give me a magnanimous heart to understand and appreciate others”.

Bible Reflections I 04.04.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 5

Readings 

           I - Dan. 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62

          II - Jn. 8: 12-20

                         

SELF-AWARENESS ENSURES PURPOSE FILLED LIFE 

The teaching, preaching, healing, miracles and the very life of Jesus provoked the thought of the people on, “Who is he?”, because he seemed to be someone more than a mere Rabbi of their time. The testimony of the Father, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen, listen to him” (Lk. 9: 35) affirmed the identity of Jesus. The personal testimony of Jesus and that of his Father out rightly proved that he was the Messiah, the Son of God and the Promised One. But the Scribes and the Pharisees in their prejudice, jealousy, hatred and anger, refused to accept Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus was aware of whom he was and what his mission was and so he ignored, slighted and shrugged to the comments and the criticism of the Scribes and the Pharisees. This self-awareness and consciousness geared him to move forward seeking and accomplishing the will of His Father.

The world is full of criticism. If we give heed to the same we will end up accomplishing nothing worthwhile on this earth. With self-awareness comes purpose filled life and the courage even to forge beyond frontiers seeking and accomplishing the will of the Father overcoming all destructive criticism and negative comments. Let us like Jesus move ahead pursuing our dreams and visions with confidence and trust in the Father who has sent us in to this world for a purpose. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me be like you in attitude and in action”.

Bible Reflections I 03.04.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 5

Readings 

           I - Is. 43: 16-21

          II - Eph. 3: 8-14

          II - Jn. 8: 1-11

                    

QUALITY OF PRAYER IS QUALITY OF LIFE

The essence of the Law is love and the purpose is to enhance and enrich life. In today’s Gospel passage, the Scribes and the Pharisees bring a woman caught in the adultery to trap Jesus because the Law of Moses commands such women to be stoned to death thereby putting Jesus into the tight corner. If he saves her, he would be breaking the Law of Moses and if he goes with the Law he fails as Rabbi for not saving the woman. Jesus, the Lord of love, justice and life neither breaks the law nor breaches the same but enhances saying, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” for in the law it is also written, “if a man commits adultery with another man’s wife…with the wife of his neighbour…both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death” (Lev. 20: 10). To the woman, Jesus assures new life and new beginning saying, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again”. From then on the woman passionately followed Jesus till the cross and also becomes the first messenger of the Good News, “Jesus is alive and I’ve seen him!” (Mk. 16: 11).  

The Bible says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2Cor. 5: 17). Lent is a grace filled time given by the Church to repent, live and let live modelled after the mind and heart of Jesus, our Lord. At the beginning of the Gospel passage we read that the previous night of this incident Jesus goes to Mount of Olives where he usually prays. Jesus spends the night in prayer while the Scribes and the Pharisees, the so called custodian of the religion would have probably spent the night in plotting against Jesus. Prayer should be prayer and not mere hypocrisy. 

The quality of prayer determines the quality of life. Prayer leads to right discernment, right choices and courageous action. When prayer becomes hypocrisy, we plot, destroy and rescind like the Scribes and the Pharisees. As the first and the second reading says, let us forget the past, pray much and try to become anew with the mind and heart of Jesus as we enter into the fifth week of this Lenten season. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, teach me to seek God with an openness of mind and heart”.

Bible Reflections I 02.04.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Season of Lent: Week 4

Readings 

           I - Jer. 11: 18-20

          II - Jn. 7: 40-53

                          

STRIVE FOR THE TRUTH

With truth come division as ‘for’ and ‘against’. The ‘for’ would defend the truth and the ‘against’ would accuse the truth. The ‘against’ are likely to label the ‘for’ as ignorant. Unable to argue with the ‘against’ the ‘for’ would finally keep silent and still if the ‘against’ are powerful and authoritative, they would fear the risk involved and would take up the ‘middle path’ the ‘neutral’ mode excusing themselves as ‘helpless’.  

In today’s Gospel passage, the temple authorities and the Pharisees were willfully against Jesus, plotting ways to put away with him. The crowds and the common man found some difference in Jesus, the rabbi while the learned and the clever missed the long awaited messiah in him messing up the truth. The willfully neglected Jesus and falsely accused him because he was not fitting into their frame of either ‘Rabbi’ or the ‘Messiah’.    

No one can be accused because they are not fitting into the set mind frame. Learn to go beyond without any prejudice. Discover the truth and stand up for what is right with courage and conviction. Become like Jesus and side for those who act like Jesus. This is our Christian charity and religiosity. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom to discover the truth and the courage to stand up for the same”