Bible Reflections I 01.08.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - Jer. 28: 1-17 

          II - Mt. 14: 13-21

                  

REFLECT JESUS

Today’s Gospel passage is about the multiplication of five loaves and two fish. Jesus would not wish to send the crowd back to their home hungry. He does not perform a one man show working a miracle in satisfying the hunger of the crowd. He instead, includes human concern and cooperation in feeding the crowd. He blesses the generosity of the crowd that offered five loaves and two fish to feed the crowd of five thousand men alone besides the women and children; and with the remnant of twelve basket full of the broken pieces.  

We have to imbibe the vibes of the heart of Jesus in order to be empathetic, understanding, sympathetic, kind, compassionate and generous towards the needy and the suffering. In the crowd that is crazy for ‘likes’ on posing the misery of the suffering over the social network media, become crazy in living your lives modelled after our Master Jesus Christ in generosity and love. Make a difference as Christians and the followers of Christ wherever you are in reflecting the heart of Jesus. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make my heart like that of yours”.

Bible Reflections I 31.07.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 18

Readings 

           I - Eccl. 1: 2, 2: 21-23 

          II - Col. 3: 1-5, 9-11  

         III - Lk. 12: 13-21

                  

STORE UP YOUR TREASURE IN HEAVEN

Chasing after the wealth of the world that does not follow us after our life here on the earth is vanities of all vanities says the preacher of wisdom in the first reading. In the second reading, St. Paul in his letter to the Colossians exhorts the people of God to set their mind and seek the things of above, putting to death what is earthly in them. The two readings are substantiated by the Gospel passage. At the time of Jesus, the religious leaders resolved the legal questions. And so, someone in the crowd approaches Jesus for the settlement of the inheritance with his brother. Jesus take this chance to explain about true wealth for which one has to aspire and work for, through the parable of the rich fool who rejoiced at the rich harvest and planned to build larger barns to store the grain and that very night he was about to die. We prepare so much for our earthly living but through the parable Jesus invites to examine how prepared are we to inherit eternal life.  

We care and toil hard for the transitory life missing our focus from the true wealth, the eternal life with God in Paradise. We are concerned about our cozy and comfortable living here on the earth that is perishable deviating from the true wealth in Christ that beckons for a living bound by the Law of Love. Walking an extra mile for Christ is wealth that worth paradise. Let the readings of the day help us to introspect how prepared are we to inherit the eternal life with God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to fix our hearts and minds on the heavenly riches”.

Bible Reflections I 30.07.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings:  

       I - Jer. 26: 11-16, 24

      II - Mt. 14: 1-12

LISTEN TO GOD, STAND FOR GOD

In the Gospel passage today, John the Baptist courageously admonishes the unlawful act of King Herod, living with his brother’s wife. His words were powerful, piercing, disturbing and deterring both Herod and Herodias. Herodias plotted so well that she had the head of John the Baptist on the platter through her daughter.  

We are children of God and whenever we are astray, God calls us back on the right the right track through the Scripture, conscience, persons, signs and events. His voice is never compromising, appealing or pacifying but disturbing, contradicting, challenging and conquering. We have only two options before us, either to give heed and align our ways and inherit eternal life or rationalize and reject his words and impend for eternal destruction. If God chooses us to be His mouth piece, let us courageously do so with no fear of people who can kill the body but are unable to kill the soul. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make me a courageous messenger of the truth”

Bible Reflections I 29.07.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings: I - Jer. 26: 1-9

                II - Jn. 11: 19-27

St. Martha (Memoria)

LOVE THE LORD WHO LOVES YOU

Today the Church remembers St. Martha, the friend of Jesus and sister of Mary and Lazarus. Jesus as the friend, besides being a guest, sharing their hospitality, love and joy, goes to Bethany to share in the suffering of the Martha and Mary at the loss of their brother Lazarus. Martha beholding the Master on the way confidently says, “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died” and affirms her trust saying, “But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of Him” and so was it done to her.        

In the trending world of change and impermanency God’s love alone is strong and constant as the Scripture says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3). All we need to do is to get connected with Jesus through our prayer. In times of grief, pain, trials, temptations, discouragement, betrayal, sorrows and weakness, turn to Jesus, an understanding friend closer to us than the very air we breathe. Let us resolve to accept the forever friendship of Jesus as we celebrate the feast day of his friend Martha who served him with much love and care.

Bible Reflections I 28.07.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings: I - Jer. 18: 1-6

      II - Mt. 13: 47-53

St. Alphonsa (Memorial)

LET OUR LIFE INSPIRE OTHERS

The Gospel passage of the day contains a comparison and an obligation. The kingdom of heaven is compared to a net that is thrown into the sea. It collects both the good and the bad fish. The good ones are stored in the container and the bad ones are thrown away. Similarly, on that final day of judgment, the humanity will be judged on the basis of love and those who are worthy would inherit the kingdom of God. Every scribe who considered himself to be the custodian of law is supposed to match the old and new and make the rules easy for people to follow for the crux of the old and new law is love. Instead they complicated the law and made the lives of ordinary people weighing and tiring.  

We are trained in so many ways to practice the preaching of the Gospel: love through bible reading, sermons, preaching, retreat, prayer and spiritual and corporal practices. Examine whether all these help us to be more humane and loving so that others too copy and aspire for a life based on love. May the reading also help us to introspect the credibility of our life based on love so that we may be gather for God on the day of final judgment. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Alphonsa, the first India woman saint who suffered much because she also loved much and today she enjoys the crown of eternal glory in Paradise. Let St. Alphonsa inspire to live a life based on love.

Bible Reflections I 27.07.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings: I - Jer. 18: 1-6

                II - Mt. 13: 47-53

GIVE UP IN ORDER TO GAIN

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to the treasure hidden in the field and the fine pearls. The man who found the treasure hidden in the field sells all that he has to buy that field. But the merchant goes in search of fine peals and on finding the same sells all that he has, to buy the pearls. The finding of the former is accidental while that of the latter is incidental. But one thing that was common in both of them was that sold everything they had so as to acquire that what was precious and priceless. They were ready to forego anything but to possess that what mattered everything to them.

‘Exchange offer’ is one of the common marketing tactics that is followed for sale promotion. We are children of God redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. As Christians we are called to be sign of bearer of God’s love to the world. We cannot let ourselves to be influenced by the world instead as the bible exhorts, we must let God transform us into new persons (Rom. 12:2) like lamps lit on the mountain top. In this process we may have to give up all that we are and all that we have so as to gain the eternal joy, the Paradise. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to give up for the sake of your love”

Bible Reflections I 26.07.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time - Week 17

Readings: I - Jer. 14: 17-22

          II - Mt. 13: 16-43

St. Joachim and St. Anne, Parents of the Virgin Mary (Memorial)

  

GRANDPARENTS DAY

Today the Church gratefully and joyfully celebrates the feast of St. Joachim and St. Anne, the parents of our Blessed Mother Mary and the grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. The feast is celebrated as World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, from last year as introduced by Pope Francis in January, 2021. St. Joachim and St. Anne in their faithfulness to God and through their righteous deeds were chosen to be the parents of the Mother of God. If Mother Mary is blessed among all women, blessed too should have been the parents who brought her up to the extent of finding favour in the eyes of the Lord befitting to bring forth the long awaited Messiah, the Saviour into the world.

We are living in a painful reality of children discarding their own parents in old age homes or abandoning them to the caretakers, confining them to the four walls of a room in the house or still to the worse, some who are so cruel to chase them out of their homes without a second thought of their sustenance or maintenance at their age of helplessness. The wealth, honour, glory and pride that is beheld are inheritance from the ancestors; and this can neither be denied nor argued against. On the other hand there are children who them with dignity, kindness and love. Honouring the parents begets the blessings of the Lord (Ex. 20:12) for the Scripture exhorts and promises, “Honour your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you (Deu 5:16). Respecting parents therefore is the command of the Lord (Lev. 19:3) that ultimately results in respecting the grandparents as well. “Grandparents have the crowning glory of life: grandchildren. And it’s only proper for children to take pride in their parents” (Pro. 17:6). 

Task: Express your love and affection towards your grandparents wishing them, and through your acts of kindness and gestures of love.

Prayer: “Dear God, Bless my grandparents”.

Bible Reflections I 25.07.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings 

           I - 2 Cor. 4: 7-15

          II - Mt. 20: 20-28

                                    

FEAST OF ST. JAMES, THE APOSTLE

In the Gospel reading of the day, the mother of James and John asks Jesus to make her son sit at the right and left side of the Master in his kingdom. To the disciples Jesus about his style of ‘servant leadership’ and instructs that their greatness is in serving. The first reading of the day describes about the role of discipleship and the difficulties to be endured on this accord. Disciples are like a clay jar containing the treasure of the Gospel. They are called to manifest the life of Jesus in their mortal flesh. Because of which they have to endure affliction, persecution and destruction but they can neither be struck down nor destroyed, standing study in bearing witness to the life of Jesus in them.  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. James, the apostle. James and John were the first disciples called by Jesus to follow him when they were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets (Mt. 4: 21-22, Mk. 1: 19-20). They were nicknamed as ‘Sons of thunder’ (Mt. 3: 17) for their fiery temperament. James was one among the three (Peter and John) to be present during the important moments of Jesus: his transfiguration (Mt. 17: 1-13) and raising of Jairus daughter (Mk. 5: 21-43). He was the first bishop of Jerusalem. He was an important spokesperson at the council of Jerusalem regarding Paul’s mission to the Gentiles (Acts. 15: 13). In his epistle, St. James has stressed about precepts pertaining to faith and good works, true wisdom is from God, control over tongue and about the anointing of the sick. James went as a missionary to Spain and preached the Gospel there. When he returned from Spain to Jerusalem, he was captured and beheaded by the sword. He was the first apostle to die as a martyr. His remains were taken to Compostela in Northern Spain by his followers and a chapel was constructed above the same. The new cathedral was built in the 12th century. St. James is the patron saint of Spain. May the life of the saint inspire us to aspire for a credible Christian living witnessing to the life of Christ as the readings of the day exhorts. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. James, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 24.07.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 17

Readings 

           I - Gen. 18: 20-32

          II - Col. 2: 12-14

         III - Lk. 11: 1-13 

                           

LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY

The crux of the readings of the day are persistence and perseverance in prayer. Persistence is the resoluteness even at the face of opposition and obstacles. Perseverance is steadfastness in doing something. Both are essential to achieve and arrive at what one desires. Persistence and perseverance are the most important requisites of prayer. In the first reading Abraham is persistent and persevering in pleading God for Sodom and Gomorrah because he wanted to save the people from destruction. In the Gospel passage, through the parable Jesus explains that the friend lends bread because of the persistent pleading of his friend that was bothering him so much though personally he did not have the intention of helping his friend in need. Giving this parable, Jesus exhorts the children of God to persevere in the persistent “ask-seek-knock” trusting in the providence of God.

God cannot be conditioned by our prayers. He is all good and gives only that what is good and best for his people whether they are praying or not praying. Then why should we pray? We should of course keep asking, seeking and knocking not only for ourselves but also for others as did Abraham, like children pleading to their fathers. And we have to be persevering in our persistence with our pleadings and petitions in faith that God would certainly provide if they are going to benefit us and the others for whom we are praying. Let us today take some time to examine the quality of our prayer and keep repeating in the silence of our hearts: “Lord, Teach us to pray”

Bible Reflections I 23.07.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - Jer. 7: 1-11

          II - Mt. 13: 24-30 

                           

NURTURE THE GODLY QUALITIES 

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the wheat and the weeds. Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a sower who sowed wheat in his fields and an enemy who sowed the weeds among them. God permits both, the wheat and the weed to exist until the day of harvest in order to save the wheat. On the day of harvest, the wheat will be collected in the barn and the weeds will be bundled to be burnt.  

We are created in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1: 27). We are from God and God has sown in our hearts the seeds of love, peace, joy, kindness, gentleness, generosity, empathy and righteousness. We are often influenced by the values of the world around us viz. hatred, jealousy, selfishness, greed, cunningness, anger and pride. We become what we nurture. If we nurture the virtues, on the day of harvest, we will be gathered for eternal life in God and if not, we will end for eternal damnation like those weeds thrown into the fire. Our choice determines our eternal inheritance. Nurture virtues and grow up as children of God. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to nurture the Godly qualities present in me”.

Bible Reflections I 22.07.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - 2 Cor. 5:14-17

          II - Jh. 20: 1-2, 11-18 

                           

FEAT OF ST. MARY MAGDALENE (Feast)

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, the ardent apostle, daring disciple and the passionate follower of Jesus Christ. All the four Gospels speak of Mary Magdalene (Mt. 26: 6-13, Mk. 14: 3-9, Lk. 7: 36-50 and Jn. 12: 1-8). From all these four Gospels we infer that Mary Magdalene was a sinful woman who had bad reputation in the society, she anointed the feet of Jesus with sweet smelling perfume and she was the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Before the crowd of men in Simon’s house, Mary dared to walk up to Jesus, anointed his feet with costly ointment, untied her hair before a band of men which no Jewish woman would dare to do , to wipe the feet of Jesus and continued kissing his feet as an act of her repentance for her sins and a desire for a new life in him. Jesus permitted or rather uninterrupted Mary Magdalene despite inheriting the gossip of the crowd around, for Jesus grasped the depth of her repentance and dense of her love in that act of anointing. Jesus defended Mary Magdalene and rewarded her act saying, “Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her” (Mt. 26: 13).  

Mary Magdalene followed Jesus faithfully even when all his disciples deserted him during the crucial moment of his passion, death and resurrection. Along with the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene accompanied Jesus in his journey up till Calvary. As today’s Gospel reading says, early in the morning while it was still dark she came to the tomb to anoint Jesus. There she beholds the risen Lord, the privilege of being the first witness to the resurrection. The greatest of all rewards by the Master whom she loved and served so much. Let us examine the quality of our love for the Lord in the light of the love of Mary Magdalene. Examine the expressions of our love for our Master. It should be expressed not merely in our multiplicity of words in prayer but in the acts of charity towards our neighbour. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, touch my heart and transform my life unto your will for me”

Bible Reflections I 21.07.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - Jer. 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13

          II - Mt. 13: 10-17

        

Today’s Gospel passage is an invitation to look beyond seeing and listen beyond hearing so that we may not miss the revelation of God in the realities of life. Not all the people around Jesus discovered the Messiah in him, the promised one for whom they waited so long. The eyes that looked, ears that listened and the heart that understood were converted unto the ways of God.

We read and hear the Word of God, partake in the eucharistic celebrations, get the guidance of elderly and wise people, intervened by the edifying presence of friends and the like but still we often fail to look beyond seeing and listen beyond hearing. It is here we too like those people miss the God who comes, comes and ever comes. Be alert and become attentive to capture the signals of God for a better and noble living. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: "Lord Jesus, help me to attentive to your words and deeds in my life"

Bible Reflections I 20.07.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - Jer. 1:1, 4-1

          II - Mt. 13: 1-9 

                           

BE RECEPTIVE TO THE WORD OF GOD 

Today’s Gospel passage is on the parable of the sower.  The sower sowed the seeds. The seeds fell on the path, rocky ground, amidst thorny bush and good soil.  The seeds that fell on the good soil alone yielded thirty, sixty and hundredfold.

The crux of the Gospel passage of the day is our receptiveness to the Word of God. How disposed are we to the Word of God to take root in us so as to yield a hundredfold?  The seeds fell on the path were eaten up by the birds, similarly, the heart that is distracted about many things may not be able to grasp the Word of God.  The seeds fell on the rocky ground were burnt with the rising of the sun, and this tantamount to a heart that is hardened can seldom hope for a new life to spring forth.  The seeds that fell amidst the thorny bush were chocked by the thorns, in the same way, a heart that is proud is also incredulous to accept or welcome anything.  Only an open and disposed heart is receptive to the Word of God like the good soil that can yield thirty, sixty and hundredfold accordingly.  

Task: Take some quite moments to analyse if we are receptive to the Word of God? If not, try to find out the reason for the same and rectify them. 

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be open and obedient to your Words”

Bible Reflections I 19.07.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - Mic. 7: 14-15, 18-20

          II - Mt. 12: 46-50 

                           

TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE AND INHERIT THE PRIVILEGE 

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus shows us the way to become a member of his family. When he was preaching, his mother and brothers waited outside, asking to speak to him. When the message was passed on to Jesus, Jesus stretched out his hand towards his disciples and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother”. Jesus prescribes a higher way of relationship than mere physical one. In both the ways, Mary is his mother: in physical and in submitting herself to the will of the Father in heaven.

If we adhere to the Word of God and submit to the same we too are his mother, brothers and sisters. It is challenge and a privilege. It is a challenge because the Word of God may demand us to go against our own wills, whims and fancies. It is privilege because we become a member of God’s family. Take us the challenge and inherit the privilege. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to seek and accomplish your will in my life”

Bible Reflections I 18.07.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - Mic. 6: 1-4, 6-8

          II - Mt. 12: 38-42 

                           

DO NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus calls the Scribes and the Pharisees evil and adulterous generation because they asked for ‘a’ sign from Jesus though he was performing ‘n’ number of signs among them. Prophet Jonah carried God’s message of destruction on account of their sinfulness to the people of Nineveh. Adhering to his prophesy, from king to animals fasted, put on sackcloth and sat on the ashes as a sign of their repentance, penance and conversion (Jonah 3: 5-9). The Queen of Sheba travelled from far to listen to the Wisdom of Solomon (1 Kings 10:1). People of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba would rise up to a judgment to condemn the people of Jerusalem because: the Word of God was among them (Jh. 1:14) and Wisdom of God was shepherding them (Ezk. 34:16, Jn. 10: 11-18). The Scribes and the Pharisees in their stubbornness of heart refused to neither see nor acknowledge his mighty and marvelous works.

The bible says, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” ( Deu. 6: 16, Mt. 4:7). We are not better than the Scribes and Pharisees, though we can vouch for God’s innumerable blessings, we still ask God for a sign or a miracle. Try to count the blessings of the mighty God in our lives than waiting for wonders. We are surmounted by God’s blessings, be grateful about that and trust in him. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, I trust in you”.

Bible Reflections I 17.07.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - Gen. 18: 10

          II - Col. 1: 24-28

          II - Lk. 10: 38-42 

                           

SERVE THE LORD IN GLADNESS

Service is the unique expression of a supreme love. The nobility of this service is that it counts no cost but is concerned about the benefit of the other. The service can be in any form tailoring to the needs of one to whom it is rendered. The streamline of all three readings today is ‘service’. In the first reading Abram identifies the holy men in the three persons and runs to offer them rest and refreshment before they could proceed from him. In the second reading it is evident that St. Paul was willing to suffer any amount on account of his service in proclaiming Christ so that he might present everyone mature in Christ. In the Gospel reading two women serve Jesus with two different services. Martha prepares meal and Mary sits at Jesus’ feet to listen to him. Martha was preoccupied with the thought that Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus without rendering her a helping hand. Jesus says, “Mary has chosen the good portion” because she was acute in listening without any other preoccupation. Had Martha not complained about Mary, Jesus might have said, “Martha too has chosen the good portion”.

Service demands an undivided attention for its fruitfulness befitting the capacity and the caliber of the person who renders. God does not ask us to do anything beyond our strength but within our reach and all in love like Abram, Sarah, St. Paul and Mary. No comparison and compromises but a whole hearted service all in love is what God desires and that is the best portion. Let us do all we can with love and care. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill my heart with your love”.

Bible Reflections I 15.07.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings 

           I - Is. 38: 1-6, 21-22, 7-8

          II - Mt. 12: 1 - 8 

                           

GOD DESIRES MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE

In today’s Gospel passage, the hungry disciples pluck ears of corn to eat and this was accused by the Pharisees as violation of Sabbath. Jesus defends his disciples quoting the violation done by David and his companions; and the priests in the temple. Jesus picks up this opportunity to enlighten the Pharisees on the truth about Temple, Sabbath and Sacrifice. Temple signifies the presence of God and the purpose of Sabbath was to abstain from work so as to be present to the Lord in prayer and worship. The Pharisees made Sabbath a burden with so many rules and thereby making the life of the common man difficult and cumbersome. Jesus intervenes and educates that the best offering in which God delights is mercy and compassion. 

We are no different from the Pharisees. We wish to be meticulous in our rituals, rubrics, rules and traditions. Days of fasting, pilgrimage, penance and offering take precedence in our life than mercy, compassion and concern for the suffering neighbour. Today’s Gospel passage is an invitation to examine our acts of piety whether they are backed by concern for humanity, if not, convert your practices unto the demands of the teachings of the Gospel. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to be compassionate and kind towards our needy brethren”.

Bible Reflections I 14.07.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings 

           I - Is. 26: 7-9, 12, 16-19

          II - Mt. 11: 28 - 30 

                           

BECOME MEEK AND GENTLE

As followers of Christ, in carrying out his command of love: “love one another as I have loved you” (Jn. 13: 34) one may have to experience and endure sufferings, pain, tortures, isolations, misunderstanding, persecutions and setbacks. This is the yoke and the heavy burden encountered on account of Jesus. But there is always joy in this suffering because it is an expression of our love for Jesus who loved us to the point of giving his life for us. Anything done in and out of love is a burden that is light and easy. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus invites these his people to come and rest in his love that is comforting and consoling.   

Jesus was a sign of contradiction to the upper class society. All good accomplished by him were undermined as violation of law. He was purposely underestimated in all his mighty works. But Jesus was unperturbed and went about doing good because he was gentle and humble. We will also be able to bear the burden on account of him and bear witness to his love, only if we are humble and gentle. Let us pray for this grace as we keep repeating this prayer throughout the day: “Gentle Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours”

Bible Reflections I 13.07.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings 

           I - Is. 10: 5-7, 13-16

          II - Mt. 11: 25 - 27 

                           

BECOME LITTLE CHILDREN OF JESUS

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus blesses the Father for revealing the salvation in Jesus to mere children. The children here refers to the sinners, tax collectors, the crowd, the women, the Samaritans and the ordinary people. These people were able to discover the Promised Messiah in Jesus because of their simplicity and humility of heart as that of little children. The learned and the clever viz. the Scribes, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Chief Priests and the elders, in their pride and prejudice missed the Messiah in Jesus.  

Simplicity submits to the truth. Humility accepts the truth. Pride and prejudice obstacles the truth. We often tend to judge and condemn people because of our focus upon ourselves. Let go ‘ego’ in order to become humble, simple and pleasing children of God to appreciate and accept all things as they come. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to give up my ego in order to gain the truth”

Bible Reflections I 12.07.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings 

           I - Is. 7: 1-9

          II - Mt. 11: 20 - 24 

                           

READ, RECOGNISE AND REVERE

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus denounces the cities that failed to repent even after witnessing most of his mighty works. The bible says that God scatters the proud hearted (Lk. 1: 51). On the roads of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum Jesus performed so many miracles and alas! In their proud of heart they never relented to repent. The ruins found today bears testimony to the words of Jesus. Had these miracles been done in the pagan cities of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom, they would have turned from their wickedness and yielded to repentance.  

A grateful heart counts the blessings of God in almost all things while the proud heart takes everything for granted. In this light let us examine our lives. We know how God had been so gracious towards us even at our crucial moments still when the time comes requiring our faith and trust in him we fail like Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. Read every moment of our lives, Recognise God’s mighty presence even in the very insignificant thing and Revere Him for His benevolence and mercy. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Thank you Jesus”.

Bible Reflections I 11.07.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings 

           I - Is. 1: 10-17

          II - Mt. 10: 34 - 11:1 

                           

THREE R’S INVOLVED IN FOLLOWING THE LORD

According to the Gospel passage of the day, the three R’s involved in following the Lord are: Risk in following, Resoluteness in the following and Reward in the following. The risk in following is that we might have to conflict our own family members on account of the Gospel values; and become a foe to our own father and mother for whom we are so dear. We must be resolute in our following even at the cost of losing our parents in order to become worthy of Christ’s followers. But the reward to such following worth losing anything on this earth. Because the Gospel reading of the day says that even the one the offers a cup of cold water to the follower of Christ receives a righteous person’s reward and much more to the one who follows: a hundredfold here and eternal life in the next (Mk. 10: 30).

Following the Lord is a risk, a risk of losing everything and everyone on this earth. But dare to be resolute in the following because the reward is greater in heaven. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to stand for the Gospel values”.

Bible Reflections I 10.07.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 15

Readings 

           I - Deu. 30: 10-14

          II - Col. 1: 15-20 

         III - Lk. 10: 25-37 

                           

LOVE GOD IN THE NEIGHBOUR 

In the first reading Moses exhorts the people to obey God in the observance of His commandments viz. to love the Lord God with the mind, heart, soul and strength. The people of Israel talked about the law when they sat home, talking while walking along the road, they were reminded when they sat down or got up, had them as symbols on their hands and bound them on their foreheads (Deu. 6: 8). Therefore as Moses says they need not go far off nor beyond the sea to hear his commands.  

Jesus is the Word made flesh and as St. Paul says in the second reading, Jesus is the image of the unseen God. Jesus the Son of God adds one more quoting from Leviticus, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Lev. 19:18), the crux of the Ten Commandments: Love of God and Love of Neighbour and marks as methodology to inherit eternal life. Jesus in the Gospel passage of the day explains the lawyer about who is our neighbour. Our neighbour is the one in need of our help. Today we are prone to help only whom we know and do not want to risk ourselves helping others as did the Samaritan in the Gospel. We either concentrate more on clicking ‘selfies’ and making them viral or crave for creating publicity in extending our helping hand. Jesus today exhorts us to love God in our neighbours for inheriting eternal life.

Bible Reflections I 09.07.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Is. 6: 1-8 

          II - Mt. 10: 24-33 

                           

STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus equips the disciples with every detail of the consequences of following him. He predicts the possibilities of disheartening and desolate moments that they have to encounter. He also encourages them with his own life example of how he is being branded though he was the Son of God and was going about doing only good. Jesus highlights their preciousness, worth and assured protection of God saying: “even the hairs of your head are all numbers” and invites them to dare to be his followers in their words and deeds.

We are the followers of Jesus Christ our Lord. I know quite a number of Christians who endure the pain of branding, isolation, harassment, tortures and troubles because they are honest, truthful, loving, kind and upright; and shun from being carried away by the current. Yet, are joyful and convinced of values that they stand for. Take courage! The sufferings on account of Christ will merit serenity and peace in this life and an eternal joy and glory in the life to come. For those Christians who are prone to the flow of current let the Gospel passage inspire to reposition their life to align as per the Gospel requirement. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give us the courage to stand for your values”.

Bible Reflections I 08.07.2022 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Hos. 14: 1-9 

          II - Mt. 10: 16-23 

                           

THE GOSPEL IS A SIGN OF CONTRADICTION

There is always a steadfast strife between good and bad, virtue and vices, and light and darkness. One always trying to overpower the other. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus gives a terrible metaphor to portray the sufferings that a disciple has to undergo on account of proclaiming the Gospel message of freedom, fraternity and Justice amidst the world of selfishness, slavery and injustice: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves”. Jesus cautions the disciples about the challenges and the risks that they had to endure even from their family members on account of the apostolic endeavour. But Jesus encourages and enthuses them with the assurance of the presence of the Holy Spirit with them to assist and guide them. 

The Good News is the sign of contradiction for it says: to love the neighbour as oneself (Mt. 22:39), to love the enemies (Mt. 5: 44), to pray for those who persecute (5: 44), to be peace makers (Mt. 5:9)... The Christian living should reflect the selfless life of Christ that is incongruent and incompatible with the selfish driven world. Therefore credible Christian living inherits persecutions and sufferings for its followers. Stand sturdy for the Spirit of the Lord is with us to assist and guide us. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to follow you with a resolute mind and heart”

Bible Reflections I 07.07.2022 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Hos. 11: 1-4, 8-9 

          II - Mt. 10: 7-15 

                           

THE PPT OF DISCIPLESHIP

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus speaks about the PPT of discipleship: Proclaiming the Good News, Performing miracles and Trusting in the Providence.  After choosing the disciples Jesus commissions them to go and proclaim that the Kingdom of God was at hand.  He gives them power to perform miracles: to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and to cast out demons. Jesus exhorts them for an utmost trust in the Providence than concentrating on even the basic requirements viz. bag, tunics, sandals or a staff.

Only those who trust in the Lord will be able to focus on God and his work than on themselves.  Don Bosco accommodated countless boys as they entered his oratory, Mother Theresa embraced so many destitute of Calcutta and the huge Christian Medical College was a humble beginning of Ida Scudder.  These disciples of Jesus placed their trust not on themselves but on God and through their lives proclaimed the Gospel effectively loud and clear.  If we trust in the Lord and abandon unto Him, our lives would become a powerful proclamation of the Gospel, making miracles in the lives of many.  Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, I trust in you”

Bible Reflections I 06.07.2022 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Hos. 10: 1-3, 7-8, 12 

          II - Mt. 10: 1-7 

                           

CHOSEN WITH A COMMISSION

The Gospel according to St. Mark says, “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him” (Mk. 3: 13). The disciples were purely of the choice of Jesus. These disciples might not have been the best choice to be counted for the ultimate core group but Jesus chooses these people. To the chosen twelve Jesus with the delegation of authority summons them to cast out unclean spirits, cure the disease and to heal the sick. But the appeared to be unworthy choice of disciples, after the resurrection of Jesus dared to proclaim about him even at the cost of their lives. 

We are specially chosen by Jesus through our Baptism with the commission to become the messengers of the Good News viz. love, peace and joy. Can we say that in our presence there is always love, peace and joy? Pray for the grace of God to help us become credible Christians and the followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to become the effective messengers of the Good News”.

Bible Reflections I 05.07.2022 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Hos. 8: 4-7, 11-13 

          II - Mt. 9: 32-38 

                           

FOCUS ON DOING GOOD

Today’s Gospel passage is about two types of reactions towards the healing of a demoniac who was also mute, The crowds were amazed and said, “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel” but the Pharisees said, “By the ruler of demons he casts out demons”. Jesus was neutral to both the comments and was concerned about his mission and ministry. His focus was always in doing good to the people. He had great compassion on the crowds that was harassed and helpless and asked the people to pray to God for many more people to be sent to work for them.  

We are very particular at the remarks made at us. We do not wish to be negatively commented. We desire for positive and elating comments. Our focus often is on name, fame, popularity and publicity. Through this Gospel passage Jesus inspires us to seek reward from above and not from the people around us by fixing our focus on accomplishing all that God wants of us. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be focused on things from above”.

Bible Reflections I 04.07.2022 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Hos. 2: 16-18, 21-22 

          II - Mt. 9: 18-26 

                           

FAITH AND POSITIVITY MAKE MIRACLE HAPPEN

Faith and positivity are intertwined. Where there is faith there will also be positivity and vice versa. Positivity and faith make miracles happen. In today’s Gospel passage, both the leader of the synagogue and the woman suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years had firm faith and were positively determined that the miracle would happen: “My daughter will live” and “I will be made well”. Miracle did happen. The girl was raised to life and the woman was made well. 

In the letter of St. James we read, “You must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the see, blown and tossed by the wind” (Jas. 1:6). When the prayers are not answered, examine the quality of belief that the request will be granted. In the silence of our hearts let us repeat the prayer of the man who brought the possessed boy to Jesus for healing as often as possible: “Lord I believe, help my unbelief” (Mk. 9: 24)

Bible Reflections I 03.07.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 14

Readings 

           I - Is. 66: 10-14 

          II - Gal. 6: 14-18 

         III - Lk. 10: 1-12, 17-20

                  

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE

Today the Church celebrates the fest of St. Thomas, the ardent apostle of Jesus and the apostle of India, Who walked on the shores of Kerala and Chennai proclaiming the good news. He belonged to simple fishers’ folk from Galilee and was called by Jesus to follow him. That he did whole heartedly and showed even greater courage and generosity than the other eleven.

 

When Jesus told, “Let us go to Judea”, Thomas solemnly stated “Let us go too and die with him”. The doubting disciple was not one to say that he had understood when in fact he had not. When Jesus said. “You know the way to the place where I am going”, Thomas retorted saying “Lord we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way”.  

The straight forward reaction of St. Thomas to the testimony of his companions regarding the resurrection of the Lord, “unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and put my finger into the holes they made and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe”. When finally Jesus appeared to St. Thomas, he confirmed his faith saying, “My Lord and my God”. The feast enlighten on the fact that the slow surrender of St. Thomas is more comforting and strengthening to our faith than the ready acceptance of the believing apostles. From a doubter of the Lord and from a feeble faith, God had transformed the faith of St. Thomas into one that was firm and true, to the point that he was even ready to lay down his life for the sake of the Lord and standing true to his faith. May we pick up inspirations from St. Thomas, the apostle to transcend from our human frailties with utmost acceptance, for a greater transformation.

Bible Reflections I 02.07.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 13

Readings 

           I - Amos 9: 11-15

          II - Mt. 9: 14-17

                  

BE OPEN TO THE TRUTH

The Gospel passage of the day is about the disciples of John the Baptist questioning Jesus why his disciples do not fast while the disciples of the Pharisees and John the Baptist fast. Self-righteousness and close-mindedness prevented the disciples of John the Baptist from discovering the long awaited Messiah in Jesus. In their self-righteousness, they focused on fasting than on the reality that was happening. They were close-minded that they failed to discover the Messiah in Jesus though they witnessed the deaf hear, dumb speak, lame walk and the dead being raised to life. 

If we fail to read the reality with an open mind and heart, holding fast to self-righteousness, we will like the disciples of John the Baptist will certainly end up in missing the truth. Being first Saturday, we remember our Blessed Mother Mary today. She was the humble handmaid of the Lord, yielding herself unto God’s will with an open mind and heart. In her humility and pliability brought forth the saviour to world. May mother Mary help us to be humble and adaptable to accept the truth as it come.